ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad on Thursday said the government would approach Supreme Court for ‘show of hands’ instead of secret balloting in the forthcoming Senate elections.

Talking to media persons here at Police Lines, the minister said if the apex court allowed show of hands it would help ensure transparency in the Senate elections.

It would also help end allegation of horse-trading and unfair means in the elections for ever, he said.

He said that police was playing pivotal role for peace, security in the country and remained second force for maintenance of peace during odd times.

The minister said steps were being taken for the capacity building of Islamabad Police.

He said he would request to the Prime Minister for enhancing salaries of Islamabad police as they were getting meager salaries.

The PM would review passing out parade of the Islamabad Police this month, he added.

He said crime rate has witnessed 30 per cent decrease in the federal capital and all out facilities would be given to police force for discharging their duties efficiently.

Various development projects including setting up of Forensic laboratory in Islamabad were under consideration, he added.

The minister also announced that all unnecessary check posts would be removed in the capital

To a question, he said efforts were being made to make Islamabad a safe city of the country.

To another question, he said data of Pakistani prisoners languishing abroad was being collected.

Earlier, the Minister laid wreath at Yadgar-i-Shuhada and offered Fateha,

IG Islamabad Muhammad Amir Zulfiqar Khan gave a detailed briefing to the minister about the department.

Secretary Interior Yousaf Naseem Khokhar was also present on the occasion.