ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police have arrested 588 professional beggars this year as part of an ongoing campaign targeting organised begging rings. Authorities registered cases under the Prevention of Beggary Act while expanding operations across the federal capital.
Acting on directives from Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, officers launched comprehensive actions against both beggars and their facilitators. Police said legal steps are underway against individuals who harass citizens at roads, intersections, markets, and commercial centres. Meanwhile, investigators are identifying facilitators who transport and manage begging networks using surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Officials added that action is also being taken against parents who hand children over to criminal groups for begging. Furthermore, authorities noted that some suspects posing as beggars were involved in street crimes in various parts of Islamabad, raising security concerns.
Search operations widen across capital
In addition to arrests, police conducted eight large-scale search and combing operations to dismantle organised crime. During raids last week, teams checked 1,340 individuals, 604 houses, 10 hotels, 21 shops, 428 motorcycles, and 137 vehicles. As a result, officers detained 86 suspicious individuals, including 20 foreigners, and impounded 25 motorcycles for verification at local stations.
Police leadership has directed officers to further intensify operations across the district. Authorities said the primary objective remains protecting lives and property while eliminating organised crime networks.
Officials urged residents to cooperate during checks and discourage professional begging. Citizens were also asked to report suspicious activity or organised begging through the emergency helpline “Pucar-15.”
