GILGIT, Aug 5: Foreign experts will install an automatic fingerprint imaging system in Gilgit to trace criminals and antisocial elements, said Northern Areas inspector general of police Sarmad Saeed Khan.

He said the department was introducing a number of reforms to better the efficiency of police, and it was a step in that direction.

He said the number of tourists to Northern Areas had increased due to peace in the region.

Mr Khan said police would launch an operation to recover stolen vehicles. He said according to information, some 200,000 vehicles stolen in other provinces had been brought to Northern Areas.

He said the ratio of accidents had also risen in the region.

The police officer said efforts were being made to rehabilitate drug addicts in the Immit village of Ishkomen and curb drug trafficking in border areas of the Ghizer district.