KARACHI, May 23: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan said that a positive image of Pakistan and Islam should not let be distorted by the activities of extremist elements.

He said the law and order in Karachi and elsewhere in the province be seen in overall perspective in stead of judging it by one or two incidents of violence.

In an interview with APP on Sunday, Mr Ibad said that besides improving law and order in the province, the government had also boosted development activities and had brought improvement in the social, economic and welfare sectors.

He said the attempts to disrupt law and order in the city during the last couple of weeks deserved condemnation. During the last 18 months, a positive image of the city and its people had been created in the world through sustained efforts, he said, adding that no one would be allowed to tarnish this image.

To a question, the governor, referring to the recent by-elections in the city, pointed out that out of the 701 polling stations, complaints about law and order situation were received from only 2.2 per cent places.

He said that except just a couple of incidents of violence, the government thwarted many possible terrorist activities by recovering over 3,000Kg explosives and other material, besides seizing lethal weapons.

To a query, he informed the agency that during the last 18 months, some 162 terrorists were apprehended, while a number of terrorist plans were traced, adding that so far 56 accused were convicted and 44 awarded life terms, which, he said, was a result of professional competence of the law-enforcing agencies.

To another question about suicidal attacks, he said that even developed countries like Israel, having a strong intelligence network, could do least in this regard.

"However, we are not showing any negligence or carelessness and best efforts are being made within the available resources to provide protection to the life and property of the people," he added.

Mr Ibad said that in Karachi, people from all provinces of the country were living and their protection and provision of due facilities to them were included in government's priorities.

Karachi was mirror of the entire country, he said, adding that peace and progress in this city meant same for the whole country, and it was the duty of every one, including politicians, to play their role in this regard with seriousness and sincerity, by remaining above vested interests and personal and group differences.

Paying tributes to President Gen Pervez Musharraf, he said that he had struggled for stability and progress of the country. He said the good work done by the government should not go waste because of extremist approach of 'unwise' elements.

The trend of criticizing good acts and sabotaging the same should go now, he added. The governor said the people, being well aware of miscreants' plans, were practically showing their aversion to violence.

He asked whether critics of the government wanted again the conditions like those prevailed in the 90s, when the city would give a deserted look after the sunset and there was a spate of extra-judicial killings.

Dr Ibad, referring to the cricket match between Pakistan and India, said that the whole world was watching the event intently, which was organized in a peaceful environment because of the arrangements by the government, as well as the decent behaviour of the citizens, which was praised world over.

To a question, he said that coordinated measures had been taken for establishment of law and order and elimination of criminals in the interior of Sindh, adding that the noose had been tightened around criminals in Shah Belo and at the Sindh-Baluchistan border strip.

In Sukkur division alone, 54 notorious criminals had been apprehended, besides busting of the gangs involved in kidnapping for ransom, he said. -APP