ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP): Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT): Islamabad Police have intensified their ongoing campaign against professional begging, resulting in the arrest of 588 individuals during the current year.
An official told APP on Sunday that Islamabad Police had been conducting vigorous operations against professional beggars and their handlers across the federal capital.
He said legal action was being taken against those involved in professional begging, particularly individuals causing inconvenience to citizens at highways, major intersections, traffic signals, and marketplaces.
The official said facilitators and contractors providing transportation and logistical support to such beggars were also being identified with the help of Safe City Islamabad cameras and human intelligence.
He said cases had been registered against the arrested individuals under the relevant law, adding that legal proceedings were also being initiated against parents who hand over their children to criminal elements under the pretext of begging.
The official said investigations revealed that several criminal elements, disguised as beggars, had been found involved in street crimes in different areas of the city.
Following these findings, clear directions have been issued to all police officers to further accelerate and strengthen the crackdown against professional beggars.