The Islamabad district administration has initiated a dedicated anti-begging campaign during Ramadan, resulting in the detention of 42 beggars and their transfer to lock-ups within the first 24 hours of the operation on Wednesday.
Operations were conducted at traffic signals, major highways, and markets throughout the federal capital.
Authorities indicated that Safe City surveillance cameras were also employed to identify and monitor professional beggars during the crackdown in Islamabad.
Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon instructed field officers to ensure rigorous enforcement throughout the holy month.
“No negligence will be tolerated in actions against beggars during Ramadan,” he stated, directing assistant commissioners and magistrates to provide daily reports on the campaign.
The Islamabad district administration has also urged citizens to assist authorities and discourage street begging during Ramadan.
Street begging on the rise in Pakistan amid inflation
Pakistan is experiencing a significant increase in street begging amid deteriorating economic conditions.
Public discourse estimates suggest that approximately 29% of the population, or about 70 million people, now live below the poverty line, while unemployment has reached a 21-year high and real household incomes have diminished.
As inflation diminishes purchasing power and the social safety net weakens, begging frequently becomes a last resort for survival.
The enforcement actions and arrests may only provide temporary relief.
The ongoing issue of begging is closely linked to unemployment and insufficient welfare coverage, highlighting that a sustainable reduction necessitates stronger economic growth, increased employment opportunities, and more effective social protection for vulnerable populations.
