By Ali Imran Abbasi
ISLAMABAD:The district administration of Islamabad on Wednesday detained 31 professional beggars during a continued crackdown across the federal capital.The operation, carried out in the city and Nilore zones, aims to discourage organized begging and maintain order in public spaces, said the spokesman of ICT administration here.According to the district administration, inspection teams have been deployed in markets, commercial centers, and traffic intersections to identify professional beggars. The detainees were shifted to local police stations for further legal action.Officials said the anti-begging drive is part of ongoing efforts to discourage organized groups that exploit vulnerable individuals, including women and children, for begging in busy areas. The administration has directed its teams to maintain regular patrols in urban and suburban zones to ensure that beggars do not return to the streets.The crackdown is being supervised by assistant commissioners and enforcement teams in collaboration with the police and social welfare departments. The administration is also taking steps to identify repeat offenders and the networks involved in organized begging.Citizens have been urged to cooperate with authorities by avoiding giving money to beggars and instead report such activities to the nearest control room or complaint helpline. Officials stated that public cooperation is crucial to the success of the campaign and to help rehabilitate individuals trapped in professional begging.The district administration reaffirmed its commitment to continue daily operations until the city is cleared of professional beggars. Special attention will be given to areas around markets, mosques, and traffic signals, where beggars are often seen during peak hours.Authorities have also emphasized the need for long-term solutions through welfare programs and vocational training for those willing to leave street begging and adopt alternative livelihoods.
