ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, working with the police, has caught over 900 people who were asking for money within a month as part of its effort to stop organized begging.
According to official sources, of the apprehended individuals, 45% were male, 38% female, 7% minors, and 10% transgender persons. Teams led by assistant commissioners and magistrates were formed to execute the anti-begging campaign throughout the capital.
In a recent update by Dr. Abdullah Tabassum, the spokesperson for Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), it was disclosed that 921 beggars were apprehended during the period from March to April. Dr. Tabassum noted an increase in activity by beggar mafias during the holy month of Ramazan.
Upon apprehension, professional beggars were taken to the nearest police station for processing, while minors were referred to the Edhi Centre for appropriate care. Dr. Tabassum mentioned that initially, minor beggars were sent to shelter homes and Edhi centres, but later, they were released after providing affidavits or paying fines.
The crackdown against professional begging, under the directive of the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, will persist until the eradication of alms-seeking individuals from society.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
