KARACHI, Aug 9: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan on Monday said that government was fully alert to deal with terrorist activities and also taking pre-emptive measures in this regard.

"Government has achieved remarkable progress in busting terrorists' gangs. Twenty-four gangs have been busted and around 180 terrorists and criminals arrested," he claimed.

Dr Ibad was talking to newsmen after inauguration of the ITCN Asia-2004 exhibition at Expo Centre here. Federal Minister for Privatization and Investment Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and IT ministers of all four provinces were also present on the occasion.

He said that the government would make all out efforts to tackle terrorism effectively and employ modern technology, particularly IT, to improve the performance of law-enforcement agencies in combating terrorism.

Dr Ibad pointed out that prosecution had also been improved as most of such cases had been prosecuted and disposed of. There had been convictions also, he added. In reply to a question, he said that there had been 27 major cases in the past one year. Those nominated in 24 of these cases had been traced whereas clues to those involved in the remaining three found.

Commenting on the exhibition, the governor maintained that such events were supplementing the government's efforts towards boosting investment and economic activities and restoring investors' confidence. The successful and peaceful holding of such major events helped build a good image of Karachi, he added.

"Another positive aspect of this exhibition is participation of all provincial IT departments and this would promote inter-provincial harmony and strengthen unity in the ranks of the nation," he said. Earlier, the governor and privatization minister inaugurated the ITCN Asia-2004. -PPI/APP