KARACHI: Sindh Inspec­tor General of Police (IGP) Amjad Javed Saleemi here on Monday ordered an immediate crackdown on beggars in the metropolis.

According to a statement issued by the Central Police Office (CPO), the additional inspector general (AIG-traffic) and additional inspector general-Karachi were directed to ensure that beggars roaming around major thoroughfares, roundabouts and traffic light signals were taken into custody.

On the spot action must be taken against them as they are often part of mafia and criminal gangs, the IGP Sindh was quoted to have said in his directives.

Reiterating that the campaign be made effective and efficient, the Sindh police chief said that reputable organisations offering social services might also be involved in the exercise for rehabilitation of those who might be needy.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2018