Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has again urged officials to focus on gaining public trust and improving security, the Interior Ministry said Wednesday.

The ministry said Haqqani chaired a meeting on 10 September with deputy ministers, directors and department heads to review security issues. In a statement, the ministry quoted him as saying that “efforts must be increased to ensure the individual and social security of the people.”

Haqqani also stressed that building trust among Afghans was essential for the Taliban’s system of governance. He has previously said that strengthening relations with the public forms the foundation of confidence in the group’s rule.

His remarks come as the Taliban faces mounting criticism for its actions, including closing schools and universities to women and girls, imposing sweeping restrictions on women, monopolising power and state institutions, excluding diverse social groups, and disregarding political participation.

The group has also been accused of carrying out reprisals against former security personnel and targeted communities, while enforcing strict laws on the population.