KARACHI, Dec 28: Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has said that significant success has been achieved in improving the law and order during one year of his tenure.

He pointed out that there was a 35 per cent decline in crime rate while the rate of conviction showed an increase of 40 per cent.

The governor was talking to newsmen on the occasion of the completion of first year of his tenure.

He pointed out that while setting his priorities soon after taking over the office of the governor, he had included law and order in the top priorities. An improved situation has cast good effects on the national economy.

“Forex reserves are swelling, stock exchange position is improving and local and foreign investors are showing practical interest in investment. All these developments and holding of programmes of international importance at economic, diplomatic, social and cultural levels are indicators of people’s growing confidence in the government.” he observed.

Dr Ibad reaffirmed his determination to keep working by remaining above all political and personal affiliations. He referred to special steps taken by him in this context and said he was proceeding ahead by keeping in touch with politicians and leaders of various shades of opinion.

He said that provision of education and health facilities. basic amenities and solution of problems being faced by the people of urban and rural areas had always remained before him.

The governor told newsmen that practical steps were being taken against the menace of ‘Karo-kari’ and that various sections of society, as well as politicians, were keen to extend cooperation in this regard.

About development work, he said he regularly visited various areas of the city to review pace of work and have an appraisal about any problems. He mentioned the creation of the website “www.governorsindh.gov.pk” besides other means of maintaining contacts with people. He said that coordinated efforts were being made towards eliminating rural-urban divide, restoration of sense of security among people and making police people-friendly.

Dr Ibad said police had been directed to prepare a crime map of every police station, maintain contacts with notables and keep a vigil on anti-social elements.

He said that effective steps had also been taken to sort out problems pertaining to the Hawkesbay Housing Scheme for journalists, New Malir Housing Project and Kutchi Abadis while there was progress in the launching of housing schemes for low-income families.

The governor observed that full attention was being paid to industries, trade, agriculture and irrigation sectors and the government was serving as a facilitator by ridding people of documentation and legal complications. He was confident that the policy would yield positive results in agriculture and industrial sectors whereas the problem of unemployment would be overcome with the initiation of self-employment schemes.

He reaffirmed his determination to continue the plans, policies and reform programmes announced by President Musharraf.

He recalled the existence of ‘no-go areas’ had in the past become a major issue which was settled by meeting the ends of justice and without causing any harm to innocent people. As a result, he added, the divided families got reunited and restoration of basic facilities like water and power in these areas was made possible.

Regarding restoration of peace in educational institutions, the governor pointed out that various groups were invited to take part in a dialogue at the Governor House and decisions were taken in this regard.

The governor thanked chief minister and his cabinet colleagues, all administrative secretaries and officials, Ulema, police and general public for extending their cooperation to him during the year. —APP