Iran has appointed Mansour Bijar, who belongs to the Baluch minority, as the governor of Sistan-Baluchistan.
This is the first time an individual from the Baluch community has held this prominent provincial role.
Government Acknowledges Baluch Representation
The announcement came after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday,
The cabinet approved this on Wednesday, moreover, government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed the appointment. Bijar, 50, is set to lead the region that has often been a hotspot for separatist tensions and armed clashes.
His appointment marks a significant step in representing minority communities within Iran’s political framework, particularly in Sistan-Baluchistan, which shares borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Iran’s growing inclusion of minority leaders
This appointment marks a significant change in Iran’s development, as it recruits a minority individual to a high position.
In September, Iran appointed its first Sunni governor for Kurdistan province, a milestone following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Additionally, President Masoud Pezeshkian nominated Abdolkarim Hosseinzadeh, a Sunni politician, as vice president for rural development in August, though his appointment was later blocked by parliament due to “capabilities and experience.” Parliament eventually accepted his resignation last week.
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Iran also recently appointed Mohammad Reza Mavalizadeh as the first Arab governor for the southwestern Khuzestan province, which has a significant Arab population.
These appointments signal an emerging trend toward increased political representation of ethnic minorities within Iran, despite historical challenges and social tensions.
Bijar’s new role as governor represents a pivotal moment for the Baluch community and minority groups across Iran, though security challenges remain. Observers suggest that Iran’s recent appointments reflect a shift toward inclusivity that could improve government relations with historically marginalized groups.
