ISLAMABAD: Beggars in the city are on the run as 45 of them have been arrested in a police crackdown since Sunday.

Beggary is banned in the country under law, but the capital police’s crackdown is not meant to clear the city of beggars. It is to secure the city against feared terror attacks during the Islamic month of Muharram.

“There are intelligence reports that militants have been scouting the city disguised as beggars to plan strikes during the holy month,” said a police officer.

Apart from being a nuisance, and an organised crime, beggars are also considered a security risk as some of them also engage in reconnaissance work for robbers, burglars, car thieves – and terrorist groups. “They have a trained eye for watching the scene at their work places in shopping centres and residential areas,” said the officer.

They also keep an eye on police movements and patrols in the area and forewarn the criminal gang they are in the pay of.

City authorities reckon that the menace of begging has reached all time high in the city. Professional beggars outnumber the needy and are found at all markets, shopping centres and main traffic signals.

“Particularly F-10 Markaz, F-11, F-8 F-7, Aabpara Market, G-13, and Tarnol are crowded with them. Special squads have been formed at police stations level to go after them,” the police officer said.

And the crackdown will continue till the end of Muharram. Such action is a routine and fails routinely. “Beggary is an organised crime, run by professional gangs or groups who remain at large,” said a second police officer, explaining the reasons for failures.

Published in Dawn, October 21st , 2014