RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi police said on Friday it arrested as many as 87 beggars in the last 24 hours as part of their efforts to curb professional panhandling in the garrison city.

A spokesperson for the police said professional alm seekers created inconvenience to citizens by obstructing traffic. He claimed that some of them were also involved in crimes including drug peddling and theft.

The crackdown comes hot on the heels of the Punjab chief minister`s orders to clear city roads from encroachment and beggars.

Following the orders, the Rawalpindi city police officer met the deputy commissioner to discuss the issues arising from the menace.

The police spokesman claimed that special squads have been formed to tackle the issue.

While travelling on city roads, one finds beggars, including women and children standing at intersections, knocking on the windows of cars in the presence of the police, seeking alms.

Rawalpindi residents have also reported a rise in the professional begging in the city.

Separately on Friday, walks were held in Ganjmandi and RA Bazaar areas to raise awareness about the dangers of kite flying and aerial firing.

Scores of citizens and police officials participated in the awareness walks. Police officers also gave awareness lectures in various educational institutions to prevent kite flying and aerial firing in the city as part of the drive, a spokesperson said.

Officials also distributed pamphlets in mosques and door-to-door campaigns to prevent the controversial sports.

Kite flying has been declared a nonbailable offence in the province, punishable with up to seven years of imprisonment and a fine.