ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday officially launched the Kurdistan Safety Guide, heralding it as a "foundational pillar of public safety" for the region.

The landmark initiative, described by the Prime Minister as a core part of the ninth cabinet's strategic vision, is designed to protect the lives and property of all citizens through a proactive, preventative approach.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the culmination of a four-year effort by the Ministry of Interior, Prime Minister Barzani commended the ministry for its work, framing the guide as a critical step in a broader campaign of reform and modernization.

"I commend the Ministry of Interior for carrying out this important work, which is the writing and preparation of the Safety Guide," Barzani stated.

He emphasized that the guide will now serve as a "foundation and a basis for protecting safety in buildings, residential places, warehouses, petrol stations, and all those projects where citizens live or with which they have daily dealings." The ultimate aim is to protect citizens from harm and prevent technical errors that could lead to catastrophic losses.

The Prime Minister situated the new guide within the wider progress made by the Ministry of Interior, praising the "sleepless nights and tireless efforts" of its personnel and other security forces for preserving the region's security and stability.

He highlighted strategic investments in technology for both police and civil defense teams, but argued that the true key to safety lies in prevention.

"More important than these supplies is how we prevent disasters from happening," Barzani said. "This is done through adherence to safety instructions and guides, which must be fully followed up and fully implemented."

As a prime example of this data-driven strategy, the Prime Minister pointed to the installation of speed cameras, which he said has led to a 50% reduction in traffic incidents and a more than 60% decrease in deaths and serious injuries in areas where the project is fully operational.

Turning his address into a direct appeal, the Prime Minister called on citizens to partner with the government by adhering to the new safety laws and instructions.

"My request to my dear citizens is that they adhere to the instructions that are issued, whether for their own safety or the safety of their relatives and other citizens," he stated, acknowledging that government efforts alone are not enough for success.

In closing, Prime Minister Barzani paid a heartfelt tribute to frontline personnel, saying, "we bow our heads in respect and honor for those dear ones who have sacrificed their lives."