The Government of Punjab has launched a large-scale campaign to make Lahore a beggar-free city. The initiative combines enforcement, surveillance, and rehabilitation measures. Officials say the campaign aims to remove organized begging from public places while helping those in genuine need.
Lahore has been selected as the first city for the project. Authorities plan to expand the campaign to other areas after reviewing the results of the initial phase. The government believes a coordinated approach will improve public safety and reduce professional begging across the province.
The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi. Senior officials approved a detailed strategy to tackle organized begging and strengthen coordination among different government departments.
According to officials, strict action will be taken against groups involved in organized begging. The government has directed law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle networks that exploit people for begging in busy public locations.
The Punjab Safe City Authority will play an important role in the operation. Officials said surveillance technology will help monitor key areas and identify suspected members of organized begging groups. The use of modern monitoring systems is expected to improve enforcement efforts.
Punjab Traffic Police will also support the campaign. Traffic officers will assist in identifying individuals and groups involved in professional begging at traffic signals, roads, and other crowded locations. Their information will help authorities take timely action.
The meeting was attended by senior representatives from several departments. Officials from the Social Welfare Department, Interior Department, Prisons Department, and Probation Department discussed the implementation plan and agreed on a coordinated response.
The government also plans to introduce a rehabilitation framework alongside enforcement measures. Officials said the campaign is not only focused on action against professional beggars but also on providing support for people who genuinely require assistance.
Authorities believe this balanced approach will help separate organized begging networks from individuals facing financial hardship. Rehabilitation efforts are expected to provide better opportunities for deserving people while reducing dependence on street begging.
The beggar-free initiative reflects the Punjab government’s broader effort to improve public spaces and strengthen law enforcement. Officials said cooperation between different departments will remain essential for the campaign’s success.
The government has not yet announced a timeline for expanding the project beyond Lahore. However, officials said the first phase will serve as a model for future operations in other cities.
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As the campaign moves forward, authorities will continue using surveillance, joint operations, and rehabilitation measures to achieve the goal of making Lahore a beggar-free city. Officials hope the initiative will improve public order while addressing the issue through both enforcement and social support.
