ISLAMABAD, Aug 3: Number of beggars in the twin cities has increased during Ramazan.

Beggars are often seen pestering motorists for alms at major traffic signals in the twin cities.

Residents of the twin cities said these beggars were professionals and should not be given any alms.

A motorist at one of the city's busiest intersections said the beggars were allowed to move about with impunity and the traffic wardens had no authority to arrest them. She said traffic wardens should be vested with powers to arrest the beggars.

“The government has formed so many task forces on different issues, it should also constitute a committee to check rise in beggary,” Rabia Rehmat, a resident of capital city said.

The police officials said they had launched drives against the beggars many times but no tangible results could be attained because such campaigns required the public cooperation. — APP