Crime roundup: Fewer bomb blasts, more heartbreak in 2011

Provincial capital shows marked decrease in criminal activity.

PESHAWAR:

Terrorism-ravaged Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) witnessed a decline in the number of bomb blasts in 2011 compared to 2010.

Yet this is hardly a cause to rejoice, as the death toll from the attacks was actually higher than the previous year.

According to a comparative study by the capital city police, a total of 34 bomb blasts took place in the province in 2011, killing 400 civilians and 134 police officials, while 37 blasts were witnessed in 2010 which killed 411 civilians and 99 security personnel.

However, the capital city showed a marked decline compared to 2010, thanks to the efforts of law enforcement agencies and the cooperation of locals.

According to statistics compiled by the police, incidents of attempted murders, robberies and kidnappings in Peshawar were significantly lower in 2011. However, the number of murder cases registered by the police increased by nearly five per cent.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Capital City Police Officer Syed Imtiaz Altaf said the police are trying their best to provide security to the people. “The police have heightened security at all entry and exit points to stop militants from entering the capital city.”

Referring to the decrease in crime rate, he said the police would continue to perform diligently in future.

Locals interviewed felt satisfied with police performance. They were of the view that peace has been restored due to sincere efforts and vigilance by the police.
They highlighted that business and cultural activities were flourishing once again, compared to the past few years.

“I am generally satisfied with the police and wish to see an end to all kinds of criminal activities,” said Rehmat Ali, a resident.

However, Dr Sajjad Ahmed of the University of Peshawar was of the view that the police have no role in the decrease in bomb blasts. “Since so many police officials have been killed in terrorist attacks, people have stopped pointing fingers at the police,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2012.