ISLAMABAD
\nAmidst repeated action against beggars by Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, the city continues to witness a rise in beggars\u2019 number at its streets, markets and traffic intersections. In most of areas of main city and housing societies in the suburbs, they are seen in abundance with scores among them are permanent and professional seeming like to be part of a nexus operating in the city. Some residents have pointed out that many of these permanent beggars are travelled to designated places daily in the morning and picked up in the evening by their masters after day long begging in these areas.
\nParticularly busy areas like F-6, F-7, F-10 Markaz, capital\u2019s main traffic signals and housing societies along Islamabad Expressway including PWD, Police Foundation and Pakistan Town commercial areas have witnessed a surge in beggars including women and children, soliciting money from commuters and shoppers.
\nExpressing concerns on prevailing situation, the residents have demanded strict enforcement of anti-begging laws, arguing that unchecked beggary not only tarnishes Islamabad\u2019s reputation but also resulting in petty crimes. They are also perturbed on re-emergence of beggars groups after a couple of days of action by ICT administration who occasionally launch operation against these beggars, nab them and put behind the bars.
\nBut, this practice could not prove to be a permanent solution to this menace as there are also reports that many rag pickers conduct recce in different areas during the day that leads to theft and robbery after sunset. Citizens in many localities have expressed frustration over frequent encounters with organized groups of beggars as well as the crimes like snatching or plundering valuables and breaking into houses, also threatening human lives.
\n\u201cOnce regarded as one of the most orderly and serene cities in South Asia, Islamabad is now grappling with a persistent and increasingly visible challenge of beggary,\u201d remarked a businessman, Saleem Khan. \u201cFrom traffic signals to bustling markets, the city\u2019s thoroughfares are teeming with individuals with many of them seeming like part of organized groups or an unseen nexus operating in the city,\u201d Saleem Khan said.
\n\u201cSome of them aggressively seek alms and when refused either they abuse you or scratch your vehicles and run away. \u201cSince they are professional engaged in this notorious practice for years, they have numerous techniques to allure people. \u201cTheir techniques range from sympathetic women holding infants, children selling flowers, some knocking windows of your car and some elderly begging for medical treatment or marriage of their daughters,\u201d said Aiman Baig, a working woman.
\n\u201cSome among them are too sticky and arrogant and also pass derogatory remarks when refused alms. \u201cShe said, whether it is intersection at Aabpara, traffic-laden Jinnah Avenue or other areas in the city, you can find them everywhere. Amina Rafeeq, a local resident describes it as very uncomfortable and says, \u201ceven if you desire to help someone needy, you cannot ascertain who is genuinely deserving and who belongs to a nexus.\u201d
\nShe mentioned to beggars approaching her children for money on their way to school. \u201cAlthough it is heartbreaking to see people in such a state yet the same time we fear if they could be part of a criminals group.\u201d As citizens daily confront them, the situation does not go unattended with the administration off and on tracking down these beggars. \u201cWe are aware of this issue. Operations are being conducted regularly to remove professional beggars,\u201d said an official of Islamabad Police. \u201cBesides putting them behind the bars, we also counsel them, provide shelter and food and also impart vocational training so they can learn to earn their living.\u201d
\n\u201cBut, this is a multi-layered challenge as many of these individuals are brought into the city by organized networks,\u201d he said. \u201cThey are dropped at key points early in the morning and picked up later. This a lucrative business for some networks.\u201d Although he mentioned to initiatives for rehabilitating beggars by equipping them with skills to earn living but fell short of explaining about steps to smash the networks sponsoring beggary.\u201d
\n\u201cWe need a comprehensive plan with the support of citizens and NGOs to make a lasting impact and rooting out this menace,\u201d the officials said. The CEO of Dolphin NGO, a civil society organization working on beggars\u2019 rehabilitation has also emphasized multi-faceted approach to address the complex issue of beggary. \u201cWe need to address the root causes and extend support and rehabilitation to those in need.
\nIt is not just about giving them money; but providing them support for survival.\u201d Dr Nabeel Mudasir, a sociologist opined that unchecked beggary fosters lawlessness and exploitation, especially of minors and women. \u201cAs they tarnish our image and threat social fabric, we need two way strategy; strict action against professional beggars and networks and a stronger welfare system for destitute and those really needing support.\u201d
\nHe said punitive measures alone won\u2019t work as to root out beggary, we would also need shelters, vocational training and psychological support for deserving poor. \u201cBy working together, the government, citizens and NGOs can help address this issue.\u201d \u2014DNA<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD Amidst repeated action against beggars by Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, the city continues to witness a rise in beggars\u2019 number at its streets, markets and traffic intersections. In most of areas of main city and housing societies in the suburbs, they are seen in abundance with scores among them are permanent and professional […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":454654,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-476386","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-national"},"yoast_head":"\n