PESHAWAR, March 11: NWFP Chief Minister Mohammad Akram Khan Durrani on Friday expressed concern over increasing incidents of kidnapping for ransom and car theft.

Speaking at the passing out parade of crimes investigation department recruits in Nowshera, he warned that action would be taken against police officials failing to fulfil their responsibilities.

He said the law and order situation in the NWFP was better than anywhere else in the country but there was public concern over increasing incidents of kidnapping for ransom, carjacking and robbery.

He underlined the need for concentrating on combating heinous crimes and said police were found lacking in prompt response.

He said his government would take action against police officials who were not taking measures to overcome such crimes.

He said his government attached high priority to the maintenance of law and order in the province and police were bound to providing a sense of security to people.

Mr Durrani urged police to mobilise all their resources to combat kidnappings, robberies and drugs.

He said nobody was above the law and his government would extend all possible help to police in fulfilling their responsibilities.

The chief minister said land would be purchased for anti-terrorism squad training in Nowshera within a month.

He announced provision of land for police lines in Regi Model Town, Peshawar. He said the CID staff would be given the facilities at par with their counterparts in Punjab. He said latest weapons and equipment would be provided to police in the NWFP.

Mr Durrani announced that the strength of the CID would be increased from 60 to 110.

He said experienced police officers had been posted to smaller districts.

He said a college was being set up in Bannu to provide education to the children of government officials.

NWFP police chief Riffat Pasha said the CID police in Punjab were better paid and given additional increments. He asked the chief minister to announce a similar package for the CID in the NWFP.