KARACHI: Administrator Karachi, Sindh Government’s Spokesman and CM Advisor on Law Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Thursday said that strict measures will have to be taken to the rising street crime and drug menace.

He expressed these views during a meeting with IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon on who called on Administrator Karachi at his office. The Administrator directed to strictly enforce the ban on the sale of cigarettes to minors and take necessary steps to stop the use of plastic bags from June 15.

He said that work is underway to combine all the relief numbers including Ambulance Service 1122, Police Assistant No. 15, Fire Brigade Emergency No. 16 and 1399 to provide this facility to the citizens on 1122. “All these agencies will be mobilized on a single call and will take joint action at the accident site,” he added.

Wahab said that it is a difficult process for the citizens to memorize multiple numbers at the same time so these numbers are being compiled after consultation with the institutions. The Administrator Karachi said that the government of Sindh is ready to enact more legislation as required to curb drug menace and street crimes so that the lives and property of the citizens can be protected.

He said that Sindh Chief Minister has repeatedly directed for prevention of street crimes and it was the duty of the government to stop crime from the city and provide full protection to the citizens. He said that the police should work actively to curb the sale of drugs in the city and crack down on the criminal elements who are making the youth addicted to drugs as the youth are suffering from deadly diseases.

The Administrator Karachi said that sale of cigarettes to minors has been banned and installation of cigarette cabins near schools has also been banned. Wahab asked IG Sindh to increase police patrolling and officers should also monitor patrolling in their respective areas. IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon told Administrator Karachi that the rising incidence of street crimes was a matter of concern and efforts were being made to curb them.