PM directs interior minister to Islamabad security, related matters ‘in efficient manner’

• Premier Shehbaz orders prompt, effective measures to tackle Islamabad security challenges

• Naqvi briefs PM on nationwide security, also instructed to visit Sri Lanka with a special message

• Interior Minister also meets Syrian delegation, discusses enhanced facilities for pilgrims to Hazrat Bibi Zainab (RA) shrine

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi to address the security situation in Islamabad and related matters “in an effective and efficient manner,” according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s media wing.

“Interior Minister Naqvi briefed the premier on the overall security situation of the country,” the statement said, adding that the prime minister was also given a detailed briefing on the current situation and security in Islamabad.

The statement noted that PM Shehbaz Sharif instructed Naqvi to take prompt and effective measures to enhance security arrangements in the federal capital and oversee all related matters efficiently. The premier also directed the interior minister to visit Sri Lanka soon to “convey the prime minister’s special message” to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.”

Islamabad has witnessed two major suicide attacks in recent months. On 6 February, a bombing at an imambargah during Friday prayers killed 36 people and injured over 150, while a blast outside a district and sessions court in G-11 in November claimed 12 lives and injured more than 30 people.

Earlier this week, PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari held a high-level meeting at the Presidency to review the political and security situation in the country. The meeting was attended by Mohsin Naqvi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and other senior officials.

Interior Minister Meets Syrian Delegation

In a related development, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with the custodian of the shrine of Hazrat Bibi Zainab (RA) from Syria, along with a delegation, to discuss matters related to the facilitation of pilgrims.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance mutual cooperation to ensure maximum facilities and support for pilgrims traveling to Syria. Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi emphasized that Hazrat Bibi Zainab (RA) holds a special place in the hearts of the Muslim Ummah, noting that hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis travel to Syria every year for pilgrimage. He said that coordinated arrangements could provide greater ease and convenience for visitors.

The Syrian delegation extended a formal invitation to Interior Minister Naqvi to visit Syria. The delegation included Dr. Mazen Hani, Dr. Azmat Hussain, and Professor Noor Zaidi.