Restrictions on Rights of Shia Muslims in Afghanistan Condemned; Support for Yemeni Resistance Reaffirmed: Allama Baqir Zaidi

Shiite News: Spokesperson and Vice President of the Jafaria Alliance Pakistan, Allama Baqir Hussain Zaidi, has described reports of restrictions on the religious, educational, and civic rights of Shia Muslims in Afghanistan as deeply concerning and condemnable.

He stated that Ja’fari jurisprudence is not directed against any Muslim but is a recognized school of Islamic jurisprudence, and that imposing restrictions on it would be contrary to the principles of religious freedom, sectarian pluralism, and fundamental human rights.

Allama Baqir Hussain Zaidi called on the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to exert effective and practical pressure on the Afghan authorities to ensure that Shia Muslims in Afghanistan have full rights to worship according to their beliefs, receive religious education, observe religious practices, and teach Ja’fari jurisprudence.

He said that a religious majority in any country does not have the right to deprive followers of another Muslim school of thought of their legitimate religious rights. He also called for guarantees of protection, equal citizenship, and full religious freedom for Afghan Shia Muslims, particularly the Hazara community, stressing that sectarian differences must never be used as a basis for coercion or violence.

Speaking about the current situation in Yemen, the Jafaria Alliance spokesperson said that the Yemeni people have the full right to determine their own political future, remain protected from external interference, and live with dignity and peace.

He expressed support for what he described as the Yemeni people’s legitimate resistance against foreign proxies operating in the country and their right to sovereignty.

He emphasized, however, that the solution to the ongoing tensions in Yemen lies not in military confrontation but in political negotiations, national reconciliation, and the protection of civilians. He warned that the current tensions are increasing concerns over regional instability and urged the international community to effectively fulfill its responsibilities toward human rights, religious freedom, and civilian protection in Afghanistan and Yemen.