KARACHI: Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan Wednesday expressed his satisfaction over the ongoing targeted operation citing “significant decrease” in target killings and kidnappings for ransom and hoped that Karachi will soon turn into a ‘crime-free’ city.

“Earlier, around 26 cases of kidnapping for ransom were reported daily. Now, the number has gone down to one or two cases a day. Target killing is also under control. Soon the government will overcome all kinds of crime,” he said.

The governor was speaking to participants of National Security Workshop held under National Defence University at the Governor House, said an official statement.

He said that the police and rangers were conducting targeted operations against the terrorists and outlaws even in those areas of the city where no such action had ever been taken in the past.

Public confidence in the law enforcing agencies including Rangers, police and Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) has increased, he said. “Now, they do not hesitate to visit these agencies/institutions for getting their reports/complaints registered,” he added.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader, who happens to be the longest serving governor of a province in Pakistan, said that no political party can support criminals in any shape. “However, the criminals falsely use names of political parties to give shelter to their criminal activities,” he added.

The governor underlined the need for equitable distribution of the national resources and for maximum development in every nook and corner of the country, saying disparity creates sense of deprivation.

“Sindh is blessed with natural and mineral resources and is very attractive to the investors,” he said.

“Karachi is the economic hub of the country and is mini Pakistan where the investors from all over the world are doing their businesses successfully.”

He linked increased problems being faced by the Krachiites to the fast growing population of the port city, which he said has crossed twenty million.

“People from other areas of the country do flock here in a large number to find employment or other sources of livelihood,” he said.

Poverty and unemployment also increase tendency for crimes, however, the government was trying its best to ensure better law and order in the province despite having limited resources, said Ishratul Ibad Khan.

Being at the forefront of the global war against terrorism, Pakistan has suffered an irrecoverable economic loss which, he said has created serious problems for the country.