Islamabad launches Ramazan anti-begging drive, 42 detained in 24 hours

The district administration of Islamabad has launched a special anti-begging campaign during Ramazan, detaining 42 beggars and shifting them to lock-ups within the first 24 hours of the drive on Wednesday.

Operations were carried out at traffic signals, major highways and markets across the federal capital. Authorities said Safe City surveillance cameras were also utilised to identify and track professional beggars during the crackdown.

Read: Beggars turn scapegoats for government

Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon directed field officers to ensure strict enforcement throughout the holy month.

“No negligence will be tolerated in actions against beggars during Ramazan,” he said, instructing assistant commissioners and magistrates to issue daily statistics of the campaign. The district administration has also appealed to citizens to cooperate with authorities and discourage street begging.

Pakistan is witnessing a sharp rise in street begging alongside worsening economic conditions. Estimates cited in public discourse suggest that roughly 29% of the population -- about 70 million people -- now live below the poverty line, while unemployment has climbed to a 21-year high and real household incomes have shrunk. When inflation erodes purchasing power and the social safety net weakens, begging often becomes a last resort for survival.

The enforcement drives and arrests can only deliver short-term relief. The persistence of begging is closely tied to joblessness and inadequate welfare coverage, stressing that sustainable reduction requires stronger economic growth, expanded employment opportunities, and more effective social protection for vulnerable groups.