KARACHI, Jan 17: Sindh IGP Jahangir Mirza on Tuesday reviewed the overall law and order situation of the province with special reference to crime data and police performance during the last year.

In this regard, a briefing was given by AIG Investigation Syed Nayyar Hasnain Haider, while DIG Investigation, DIG Headquarters, AIG Operations and other police officers attended the meeting.

It was informed that there was a decrease of 1,819 cases in all reported crime during the year 2005 (48,035) compared with the corresponding period of 2004 (49,854).

Highlighting the police performance during the last year, he was informed that 844 police encounters with dacoits took place as a result of which 140 dacoits were killed and 2,866 dacoits were arrested. Similarly, 972 proclaimed offenders and 18,825 absconders were nabbed besides recovery of 90 abducts throughout the province.

According to the break-up, 475 police encounters with dacoits took place in Karachi resulting in arrest of 2,039 and killing of 84 dacoits. Likewise, 177 proclaimed offenders and 960 absconders were arrested besides recovery of 30 abductees.

In Hyderabad and Sukkur regions, during 25 and 344 police encounters, 10 and 46 dacoits were killed, 65 and 762 dacoits were arrested, 208 and 587 proclaimed offenders were arrested, 8,930 and 8,935 absconders were held and seven and 53 abductees were recovered, respectively.

About the recovery of arms and ammunitions, it was stated that nine rocket launchers, 343 Kalashinkove/sten guns, 593 short-guns, 3,790 pistols/revolvers, 188 rifles, 160 hand-grenades/ dynamites and 49,192 cartridges/bullets/rounds were recovered during the year 2005. —PPI