Karachi: Caretaker Minister for Information, Minority Affairs, and Social Protection, President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmad Shah, Inspector General Police Sindh Riffat Mukhtar and Additional IG Karachi Khadim Hussain Rind, jointly organized a press conference at the Sindh Assembly Committee Room.

Addressing  to the media, Minister Muhammad Ahmad Shah emphasized a policy of zero tolerance against anyone expressing abhorrent statements against Pakistan.

Shah further said on New Year’s Eve, the police and administration kept the city active lively and controlled very well. Although the police have fewer resources, still the police are working. The police resources are very limited compared to the proportion of the population. The police force performing duties in a well-versed manner.

Inspector General Sindh, Riffat Mukhtar, reiterated that the police are accountable to both the government and the people. He emphasized that there is no lack of intention or dedication within the police force.

Additional IG Karachi, Khadim Hussain Rind, shared significant improvements in Karachi’s security over the last decade. Karachi once ranked as the 11th most dangerous city globally, has now improved to 126th. Rind highlighted the dedication of 688 policemen who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. 86% of murder cases have been detected in which mostly outsiders have been involved.

Three major incidents of terrorism took place; including the attack on the KPO office. Major cases of kidnapping for ransom have been detected. Street crime has seen a decline in the number of people killed or injured in robberies, which have now nearly halved compared to August.

Those who change the IMEI number of the mobile have been caught. Operations against illegal migrants reduced the rate of crime. Now there are no cases of rape and robbery. Illegal migrants are usually involved in robbery. Police encounters, and arrests have been more. Those with detonators were also caught.

On this occasion, DIG South Asad Raza, DIG East Captain (retd) Ghulam Azfar Mahesar, and DIG Central Asim Qaim Khani were also present. Responding to a journalist’s question about political neutrality, IG Sindh asserted the caretaker government’s impartiality and urged citizens to report any complaints regarding political interference. Additional IG Karachi assured that police officers have been instructed to remain in police stations and prioritize public safety.

In response to a question, IG Sindh said that any person who claims to be related to high officials is not necessarily correct. Regarding crimes, the officials discussed a decrease in criminal incidents, ongoing efforts to apprehend a businessman’s killer, and the recent capture of an extortionist. He said that all appointed officers of this case are under monitoring and their performance is being observed.

In response to a question, the Additional IG said that vehicle detection has improved from 6 per cent to 13 per cent; we are aiming for further improvement. IG Sindh acknowledged challenges in installing citywide cameras, especially in Karachi but assured ongoing efforts to enhance resources. He emphasized the police’s commitment to building public trust and meeting expectations.

Additional IG Karachi reported a decrease in the number of illegal migrants. He said that more than 40,000 illegal migrantshave left here, while about 58,000 are still there. IG Sindh also discussed an ongoing intelligence-based operation. He highlighted the police effort to arrest the killer of senior Journalist Jan Muhammad Mahar.

In response to one question, he highlighted that there are four lac populations in Kutch although the Police successfully arrested the head money offenders by doing an intelligence-based operation. He also urged the public to share videos related to police complaints. The press conference concluded with a commitment to maintaining public safety, improving law enforcement capabilities, and fostering transparency.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 03 2024

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