LAHORE, March 21: There is an increase of 6,708 cases in the reported crimes in the last three years in the Punjab.

The increase has been noted in the official police record produced in the Punjab Assembly by opposition leader Qasim Zia.

The statistics say 247,808 crimes against property and person were reported in 2002 against 241,100 in 2000 while the figure was 227,107 in 2001.

Lahore remained on top of all divisions of the Punjab as 38,445 cases were registered in 2002 against 30,284 and 32,947 in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

Other divisions where the increase was noted are; Faisalabad, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur.

PA prorogued: Speaker Afzal Sahi prorogued the Punjab Assembly session after the debate on the law and order situation. The session had been requisitioned by the opposition.