Over 900 Beggars Held in Islamabad’s Anti-Begging Drive

APP

Islamabad: The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, in conjunction with the police, has apprehended over 900 individuals engaged in professional begging within a month as part of its campaign against the practice.

Among those arrested, 45 percent were male, 38 percent female, 7 percent minors, and 10 percent transgender individuals, according to an official statement.

Teams led by Assistant Commissioners and Magistrates were formed to conduct the anti-begging operations throughout the capital.

According to Dr Abdullah Tabassum, the spokesman for the Islamabad Capital Territory, a total of 921 beggars were detained between March and April alone. He noted that beggar mafias tend to be more active during the holy month of Ramadan.

Upon arrest, professional beggars were promptly escorted to the nearest police station for further processing. However, if minors were found among them, they were compassionately directed to the Edhi Center for proper care and support.

Addressing concerns about the treatment of minor beggars, the spokesman clarified that while the district administration initially handed over minors to shelter homes and Edhi centers, some were later released without facing legal consequences. This leniency occurred when minors provided affidavits or paid fines to the authorities.

The crackdown against professional begging will persist in the Federal Capital as per the directives of the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, with the goal of eradicating alms-seeking from our society.