Karachi:Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi presided over a meeting held at office on Monday decided to launch an effective crackdown against professional beggars at traffic signals, intersections and, markets in the city.
The Commissioner stated that citizens are disturbed by the abundance of professional beggars at traffic signals and other locations. He emphasized the need to effectively stop and eliminate these menace.
He directed the deputy commissioners and traffic police to take coordinated action against professional beggars. He instructed deputy commissioners to collaborate with relevant organizations/departments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to identify elements and factors behind this menace.
The meeting was attended among others by Additional Commissioner-I Ghulam Mehdi Shah, Deputy Commissioner South Altaf Sario, Assistant Commissioner Civil Lines Javed Alam, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Sajjad Abro, Secretary RTA, SP Traffic South, and others. While Other deputy commissioners
participated via video link.
It was decided that all deputy commissioners would arrest and take action against those turning begging into a business network in their respective districts.
The meeting also decided to take measures to eradicate the causes of begging. Various suggestions were discussed, including establishing rehabilitation centers for homeless children where they could receive education, training, and food.
Suggestions were also discussed for elderly beggars. It was decided to collaborate with the Child Protection Bureau, Social Welfare Department, and NGOs working against begging, particularly those focused on child welfare, to rehabilitate them.
Deputy Commissioner South Altaf Sario informed the meeting that Assistant Commissioner Civil Lines and other sub-divisions are regularly taking action against professional beggars. Several beggars have been arrested and handed over to police.
Deputy Commissioner Central Taha Saleem reported that more than ten professional beggars were arrested an
d handed over to police in the Central district.
Deputy Commissioner Korangi Masood Bhutto stated that 27 beggars were arrested from various intersections and locations.
All deputy commissioners briefed the meeting on efforts to alleviate public distress due to professional beggars in their areas. They noted that beggars often return, and various measures were decided to address this issue.