Over three dozen alms seekers netted
A woman begs for alms from a man at a market in Karachi. Organised gangs of beggars have clearly demarcated areas in markets, footpaths and signals. Photo: Jalal Qureshi/Express
In a major crackdown on professional begging, the Islamabad Civil Defence arrested 41 alms seekers from outside mosques after Friday prayers in different areas of the federal capital.
The operation was carried out under the directions of the Islamabad deputy commissioner and the supervision of the Secretariat assistant commissioner and the Civil Defence assistant director.
The teams of Civil Defence personnel were deployed in different areas of the city, including outside mosques, to arrest professional beggars.
A total of 28 beggars were arrested by the Civil Defence teams, while 13 beggars were arrested by the City assistant commissioner from Kohsar Market and Aabpara. The beggars were transferred to the police station, while the minor children were sent to the Edhi Centre.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2023.