ISLAMABAD: The district administration has arrested 23 beggars in a crackdown on professional begging across Islamabad.

The arrests were made as part of efforts to curb begging in the federal capital, said the spokesman of the administration.

In a recent move to address the growing issue of begging in Islamabad, the district administration, under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner (Rural), arrested 23 professional beggars. The arrests were carried out in the jurisdictions of Lohi Bher, Sihala, Koral, and Humak police stations.

On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon urged the citizens to discourage professional beggars.

He emphasized that such activities could create an undesirable environment and could often be linked to organized groups.

The administration has taken this step to not only clear public spaces but also to ensure that vulnerable people, who may be exploited through begging networks, were not harmed.

Memon called upon the public to avoid giving money to individuals begging at public places, as it could inadvertently support these networks.

Instead, he encouraged people to support recognised charitable organisations that work to address poverty and provide assistance to those in need. The district administration has also requested the cooperation of citizens in reporting professional beggars.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2024