Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, Minister of Interior Affairs, has stressed the need to adopt necessary security measures to ensure the safety of citizens during the month of Muharram.

Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, said that Haqqani raised the issue during a leadership meeting of the ministry attended by deputy ministers, directors, and officials from various departments.

During the meeting, Haqqani emphasized the implementation of a new law approved by the leader of the Islamic Emirate for the Ministry of Interior and also called for the adoption of necessary security measures to ensure public safety during Muharram.

Haqqani added that serious efforts are needed to further strengthen individual and social security, and that security forces across the country should intensify efforts to build public trust through sincere service to the people so that issues can be addressed in a timely manner through coordination between citizens and security forces.

The meeting also stressed the provision of technical equipment for the Crime Prevention Directorate as well as improving the capacity of its professional staff.

The United Kingdom has called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to work together to prevent further tensions and address security concerns through dialogue and cooperation.

Speaking to Dawn newspaper during a visit to Islamabad, British Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hamish Falconer, stressed that preventing further escalation should remain a top priority for both countries.

His remarks came amid growing security concerns and rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistani authorities have repeatedly expressed concerns about militant groups that they say operate from Afghan territory and carry out attacks inside Pakistan, a charge Afghanistan denies.

“The most effective way forward is through dialogue,” Falconer said, adding that both Islamabad and Kabul must ensure that their territories are not used to threaten one another.

The British official also expressed concern over the loss of civilian lives in the region, saying that no country wants to see civilian casualties, whether in Pakistan or Afghanistan.

On the issue of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, he stressed the importance of respecting international legal obligations while acknowledging the complexity of the matter. He said the issue should primarily be addressed through cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.