Islamabad Police have arrested 588 professional beggars so far this year as part of an ongoing operation targeting organized begging networks across the federal capital.
Cases have been registered under the Islamabad Prevention of Beggary Act, according to an official police statement.
The crackdown is being carried out on the special directives of Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, Inspector General of Police (IGP), who has ordered comprehensive action not only against professional beggars but also against their facilitators and handlers.
Action Against Begging Networks and Facilitators
Police officials said legal action is underway against individuals who harass citizens at roads, intersections, markets, and commercial centers.
Authorities are also targeting facilitators and contractors who provide transport and logistical support to begging rings.
Using Safe City surveillance cameras and human intelligence, law enforcement agencies are identifying key figures behind these networks to dismantle organized operations.
Parents Handing Over Children Also Targeted
The police statement added that action is also being taken against parents who hand over their children to criminals for the purpose of begging.
Authorities revealed that several individuals posing as beggars were later found to be involved in street crimes in different parts of the city.
All officers have been instructed to further intensify and streamline operations to make enforcement more effective.
Search and Combing Operations Across the City
In addition to arrests, Islamabad Police have conducted eight large-scale search and combing operations during the past week. As a result:
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1,340 individuals were checked
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604 houses were inspected
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10 hotels and 21 shops were searched
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428 motorcycles and 137 vehicles were examined
Police also shifted 86 suspicious individuals, including 20 foreigners, along with 25 motorcycles, to police stations for verification.
Public Urged to Cooperate
The IGP has directed that operations continue across the district to curb organized crime and ensure the protection of lives and property.
Citizens have been urged to discourage professional begging and report such activities through the police emergency helpline Pucar-15 or the nearest police station.
Police have also appealed to the public to cooperate during security checks and promptly report any suspicious activity.
