Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The citizens demanded the authorities concerned take serious action to discourage beggary practices, as many beggars belonging to far-flung areas of the country have turned to big cities to reap significant benefits during the month of Ramadaan.
Like every year, hundreds of seasonal beggars, including children and women, have been moving toward populated areas of major cities before the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan.
Apart from the bazaars, streets, and traffic signals, a citizen said that the famous Sufi shrines had become a stronghold for professional beggars because visitors give them money in the name of religious offerings.
A citizen asked the authority concerned to launch a crackdown on these seasonal beggars. He said that people should also stop giving them alms and discourage this attitude of begging during Ramadaan.
A traffic warden said that the number of beggars hanging around the markets and streets has significantly increased in the past few years.
Beggars consider Ramadaan a best season profit
“Ramadan is the best season for beggars to earn more profit, said a beggar, adding she earns more than Rs1000 a day as people are willing to give charity in the holy month of Ramadaan”.
A trader said that beggars were involved in several criminal activities and created traffic hazards.
A motorist said that the community members should not be sympathetic toward these professional beggars and asked to donate to registered charities instead.
A citizen said that during Ramadaan, people should use official charitable organizations to support the needy.
A woman said that beggars of different ages and in different disguises start attacking visitors at markets, malls, and streets. We could not avoid these beggars as they would not stop begging you wherever you go,” she added.
“If beggary is not tackled tactfully, the number of professional beggars will continue to grow in coming months,” said the social worker.
