THATTA, Dec 25: Sindh Home Minister Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza conferred “Peace Award” on Thatta DPO Pir Fareed Jan Sarhandi at a ceremony held in Mirpur Bathoro on Friday for his outstanding performance in reducing crime rate and eliminating hardened outlaws from the district.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said that since Mr Sarhandi took over charge as Thatta DPO, six hostages had been recovered and notorious bandits, Rano Channo, Abdul Sattar Janwari, Akbar Bhambhro, Khanu Domkey and Punhoon Khalsai had been killed in encounters. All the outlaws carried Rs1 million each as head money, he said.

Mr Sarhandi, who was presented a gold crown by audience, said that police were doing their best to curb crime and maintain law and order in the district. Crime rate had dropped to merely 20 to 30 per cent, he said.—Correspondent