KARACHI Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza Thursday told the provincial assembly that 114 cases of rape, six of gang-rape, 15 of sexual assault and nine of gender harassment were reported in the province during May 1, 2008, to October 31, 2008, whereas most number of rape cases, 33, were reported in Karachi. He was replying to the queries of lawmakers. According to Mirza, women do not report such cases because of the social compulsions and restrictions while majority of the matters are usually settled outside court. The Home Department has established complaint cell at every police station of the province. Answering another question, the minister said the ratio between the number of crimes, including rape and gape rape, and conviction of the accused was very low because of lack protection for the witnesses. However, his department had submitted a plan to the chief minister for rehabilitating the witnesses at safer places, he added. To another question, Mirza told the House that 38 cases of physical abuse of women, 37 of domestic violence and one case of acid burns were reported during the said period. Minister further said an Anti-Honour Killing Cell had been established in Sindh Police, currently functioning in Sukkur region with the assistance of UNDP. However, no women police officer was working at the facility. Awareness and education could change the mindset of people to honour the women and to avoid violence against them, he remarked. Replying to another question, the home minister said a total of 1,666 (1492 two-wheelers and 174 four-wheelers) unclaimed and theft vehicles had been recovered and deposited at the Central Nazarat Pool in Karachi for auction. Out of which, 87 two-wheelers and 100 four-wheelers were handed-over to owners. In the first phase of auctioning, 356 vehicles (274 two-wheelers and 109 four-wheelers) were auctioned during September 28 to November 1, 2010, from which the department had earned over Rs63.439 million, which were deposited in the government treasury. The second phase is scheduled to be held from January 19 to 22, he added. He further said as per the Supreme Courts orders, all the vehicles being used by the officials of intelligence agencies, police and Home Department had deposited with the pool, and no vehicle was in currently was by the officials. Mirza said the provincial govt intended enhancing the medical facilities for prisoners, besides up-gradation of jail hospitals including establishment of mini-operation theatres and laboratories was in the process. The Planning and Development Department would implement the scheme under Access to Justice Programme for which an amount of Rs30 million had been earmarked. To another question, Mirza said at least 42 police officers/officials including 11 head constables, 14 escorts and two gunmen had been deputed for the security of Karachi police chief. Similarly, 36 others including one escort, seven head constables and 28 police constables were deployed for the IGP Sindh.