The Punjab government has launched a new campaign to make Lahore free from professional begging. Lahore has been selected as the first city where the initiative will begin, with authorities planning to take coordinated action against organized begging networks.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi. During the meeting, senior officials approved a comprehensive strategy to deal with professional begging and the groups that are believed to be operating behind it.
According to the plan, strict action will be taken against organized groups involved in professional begging in public places. Authorities aim to identify the individuals and networks responsible for managing these activities and take legal action where necessary.
The Safe City Authority and Punjab Traffic Police will play an important role in the campaign. They will assist in identifying suspected begging networks through surveillance and monitoring, while also supporting law enforcement agencies during the operation.
The meeting was attended by senior representatives from the Social Welfare, Interior, Prisons, and Probation departments. The officials discussed the implementation plan and agreed to work together to ensure the campaign is carried out effectively across the city.
The initiative is intended to improve public safety, reduce organized begging, and make public spaces more orderly. Officials also emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals by ensuring that those genuinely in need receive appropriate support through welfare services.
Authorities believe that close coordination between government departments and law enforcement agencies will help achieve the campaign’s objectives. If successful, the initiative may be expanded to other cities in Punjab as part of broader efforts to address professional begging and improve public welfare.
