Shiite Scholars in Afghanistan’s Bamyan Call for Fair Representation and Greater Political Participation

Shiite Scholars in Afghanistan’s Bamyan Call for Fair Representation and Greater Political Participation
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Religious scholars, tribal elders, and civil activists from the Shiite community in Bamyan Province have called for fair representation in the province’s administrative structure and for stronger political participation, according to participants in a joint meeting with local officials.

During the meeting, attendees emphasized the need to prioritize Shiite-populated areas in development projects and to make better use of Shiite professionals and specialists within state institutions. They said inclusive governance would help improve administrative performance and promote balanced development across the province.

Sayyid Nasrullah Waizi, head of the Bamyan Council of Scholars, said justice and attention to citizens’ rights are fundamental duties of any governing authority. He stressed that fair and responsible treatment of all segments of society is the basis of good governance.

For his part, Bamyan Governor Gul Haidar Shafaq said the Taliban administration is committed to addressing citizens’ concerns and preventing the spread of tribal, religious, or linguistic tensions. He added that discrimination does not exist within the current administrative framework.

Despite these assurances, participants voiced ongoing concerns about achieving genuine equality in practice, particularly regarding political participation, the employment of Shiite specialists in government offices, protection of religious rights, and the allocation of state revenues and income from Bamyan’s mines to support local development projects. They urged concrete and measurable steps to respond to these demands and strengthen the principle of national partnership.