Beggars, wind screen cleaners - a serious security threat

ISLAMABAD: Alms seekers and unwanted wind screen cleaners, operating freely at traffic signals of Islamabad Highways not only create nuisance for motorists but also pose a serious security threat.

Despite tall claims of law enforcement agencies to ensure foolproof security arrangements, they were present as usual on Wednesday on busy traffic junctions like Koral, Fazaia, Dhoke Kala Khan and Shakarparian. These locations fall in the VIP movement area and presence of such elements can cause any untoward incident, especially at a time when Ashura and a high profile visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao are coinciding.

When contacted, a police spokesman however rejected the impression of free working of beggars and wind screen cleaners saying that the capital police have chalked out a comprehensive security plan for peaceful observance of Ashura and the Chinese Premier's visit.

He said around 3,500 alms seekers have been arrested from different areas of the Capital during the current year adding, "some of these have been sent to jail after registering cases against them under the relevant Act, while others handed over to Edhi centres".

The spokesman also said that under-age beggars are shifted to Child Protection Centres and Pakistan Baitul Maal for their rehabilitation. He said two special squads of police are already operating to cleanse the federal capital of beggars.