Rawalpindi / Islamabad – February 20, 2026
The Leader of Shia Muslims in Pakistan, Syed Sajid Ali Naqvi, stated that social justice can only be achieved alongside economic justice. He said that the global economic and political systems have taken on an extremely oppressive form, preventing the realization of the United Nations’ vision of social justice, which is highlighted on this occasion.
He remarked that the clearest manifestation of this unjust economic and political order can be seen in the so-called “Board of Peace” with its imperial tone, while Gaza, the West Bank, Khan Younis, as well as Syria and Lebanon, represent some of the most severe examples of injustice. He expressed these views while addressing the International Day of Social Justice and during a meeting of the “Board of Peace.”
On the occasion of February 20, the International Day of Social Justice, the Leader of Shia Muslims in Pakistan referred to the United Nations’ 2009 initiative, the “Social Protection Floor Initiative 2009,” aimed at promoting shared priorities and solutions to ensure equal basic social guarantees worldwide, based on the values of justice, equality, respect for diversity, access to social protection, and the application of human rights in all areas of life, including the workplace.
He questioned what forms of oppression, imperialism, and unjust global political and economic systems have not been imposed upon the world within just one decade—acts that neither nations nor the international community have been able to prevent. During this period, crises in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Rohingya issue, Sudan, and most recently Gaza, the West Bank, Khan Younis, occupied Jerusalem, Lebanon, and Syria have unfolded. In such circumstances, how can social justice prevail?
He emphasized that social justice requires guaranteeing fundamental human rights to every individual, including the right to a safe life, healthcare, education, decent employment, as well as cultural, traditional, religious, and social freedoms, and freedom of expression. He asked how these rights can be secured in such an environment.
He concluded by stressing that the United Nations must restore its authority by first introducing mechanisms for economic justice and by standing firmly against the harmful ambitions of powerful states through forces committed to human survival and dignity. Only then can the dream of global equality and social justice become a reality.
