Accelerating its anti-beggary campaign, the Social Welfare Department on Tuesday rounded up 48 beggars, including three women, from various parts of the city. Social Welfare District Officer (DO) Waheeda Iftikhar said that they were caught begging at traffic signals, bus stands and markets. She said Rs10,293 was recovered from those arrested. She said the male beggars had been sent to the leprosy house on Jhang Road, and female beggars to the Darul Amaan.
She said arrangements had been made for the rehabilitation of those arrested.
Later talking to The Express Tribune, Iftikhar said that beggary was a curse that was spreading like cancer. She said beggary was also a reason that led to increase in street crime.
“Most beggars have links with criminals. There have been cases of beggars spying on residents of an area for criminals.”
She said some beggars at traffic signals took the time the cars waited for a green light as their “observation time”.
“They look for laptops, mobile phones and jewellery or wrist watches worn by the passengers and report to robbers waiting for their signals nearby. Cars then get chased and people mugged,” she added. She said the department planned to continue its crackdown against beggars. She said citizens who noticed beggars acting in a suspicious manner must report about them.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 11th, 2013.