ISLAMABAD: The ICT Administration, in coordination with the police, has arrested more than 900 beggars in a month under its campaign against professional begging.
An official said on Monday that of the total number of beggars arrested, 45% were men, 38% were women, 7% were juveniles, and 10% were transgender. He claimed that teams had been formed to oversee the anti-begging campaign around the capital, with the relevant assistant commissioners and magistrates serving as their leaders.
According to a recent update from Dr. Abdullah Tabassum, the spokesman for the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), 921 people who were begging were arrested in just one month, from March to April. He claimed that the holy month of Ramadan was when beggar mafias were most active.
Professional beggars were swiftly taken to the closest police station for additional processing after being apprehended, and youngsters who were discovered among them were kindly sent to the Edhi Center for help and care.
In response to a question, he stated that the district administration had apprehended small-time panhandlers and turned them over to shelters and Edhi centers; nevertheless, they later turned themselves in and paid a fine or affidavit to the authorities, leaving them free.
Read More: Islamabad weather forecast: rain and thunderstorm expected in the city
He stated that the ICT administration in the federal capital will keep up its crackdown against professional begging till all alms-seekers are eradicated from our society, per the directives of the Deputy Commissioner, Islamabad.