Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mushtaq Maher Karachi revealed on Wednesday that at least 7,500 criminals in metropolis were either on bail or absconders.

He revealed these figures during a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah at the CM House.

During the meeting CM Sindh approved the plan to reintroduce e-tagging of criminals, on which the meeting was informed that during the first phase of e-tagging 7,500 criminals were identified.

During his last meeting CM Murad had directed police to start extensive patrolling and to take stern action against the criminals involved in street crimes.

In today's meeting the police chief informed the participants that since January to February 28, at least 143 encounters had been conducted during which at least 143 criminals were killed and 147 sustained injuries, adding that at least 1,446 criminals were arrested during the operations so far.

The CM Sindh also asked to engage a panel of leading private lawyers if needed for the prosecution of high profile cases.

In addition, he directed the police and administration to start removing drug addicts as they were reportedly responsible for a number of street crimes.