Karachi Crackdown on Drug Addicts and Professional Beggars Continues; 38 Arrested

Authorities in Karachi have arrested 38 people as part of an ongoing crackdown targeting drug addicts and professional beggars operating across the city, officials said.

The campaign, carried out on the directives of Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, has continued over recent weeks as part of a broader effort by the city administration to address issues linked to drug addiction and organized begging in public spaces.

A sustained citywide effort

City officials describe the initiative as an ongoing operation rather than a single enforcement action, with authorities conducting periodic sweeps across various parts of Karachi. The effort forms part of wider administrative measures aimed at improving public order and addressing social concerns tied to addiction and street begging.

Those arrested are reported to include both individuals identified as drug addicts and others accused of engaging in professional begging, a practice authorities say has become increasingly organized in some parts of the city.

Broader context

Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, has periodically seen administrative campaigns targeting street-level social issues, including addiction and begging networks, as local authorities seek to manage public space and respond to community concerns. Officials have not indicated a specific timeline for when the current campaign will conclude.

Further details regarding the legal proceedings against those detained, including any charges filed, had not been disclosed by authorities at the time of reporting.