PESHAWAR (APP): The influx of professional and nonprofessional beggars from various cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Peshawar has become a significant nuisance during the holy month of Ramazan. Despite begging being illegal under Pakistani law, beggars of all ages and genders, including those with disabilities, are crowding key locations such as markets, mosques, and traffic signals, particularly before Iftar.
Areas like Hashtnagri, Saddar Road, and University Town are heavily affected. Professional beggars often use emotional tactics, such as displaying fake wounds or carrying medical prescriptions, to exploit religious sentiments and extract money. Some even resort to aggressive methods, like cleaning car windows without permission or threatening to dirty clothes if not paid.
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Residents and shoppers express frustration, citing the inconvenience and emotional blackmail they face. Professor Sundas Amin and Faraz Khan, a resident of Nowshera, highlighted the growing problem, calling for immediate government action. Advocate Noman Bukhari noted that while laws like the West Pakistan Loitering Ordinance 1958 and KP Child Protection and Welfare Act 2010 exist, their poor implementation has led to a rise in beggars, especially during Ramazan.
The Social Welfare Department has initiated drives to rehabilitate beggars and drug addicts, providing them with vocational training. The public is urged to donate to reputable organizations to ensure their contributions are used effectively.
