ISLAMABAD, March 22: The centre has decided to upgrade the provincial crime investigation departments (CIDs) to track down networks of criminals, federal Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Sherpao said here on Monday. Speaking at a meeting of the provincial CID chiefs, the minister said the government had provided modern gadgets and his ministry would give all necessary assistance and equipment to the departments.

He said the Special Investigation Group and National Crisis Management Cell would provide help round the clock. The database of the FIA and the NCMC, he said, would prove helpful in tracking down criminals.

“We do have sophisticated technology, but there is a need to interact with each other frequently and pass on the relevant information to the quarters concerned,” he said. Mr Sherpao stressed the need for coordinated efforts between the federal government and provincial departments to curb terrorism in its all forms and manifestations.

He said: “Terrorists have no religion and land, and they must be wiped out.” Pakistan would not allow anybody to use its land for terrorism, he said.