Fake currency, pickpocketing on rise in Bahawalpur

Citizens allege police not taking action against those involved in such activities

BAHAWALPUR: With Eidul Fitr round the corner, the circulation of fake currency notes and pickpocketing are on the rise in Bahawalpur.

In view of the situation, the business community and the general public have urged the district administration and the provincial government to take immediate measures to eradicate the menace.

Several shopkeepers have fallen victim to counterfeit currency, while hundreds of people have lost money in different pickpocketing incidents around the city.

Sources told The Express Tribune that people have lodged complaints at the police stations regarding pickpocketing and circulation of fake currency notes. However, despite the occurrence of such incidents, citizens allege the police are playing the role of silent spectator and not taking action against those involved in such activities.

“Most people were deprived of their money by pickpockets when they went for shopping in the markets,” a police official told The Express Tribune.



Imran Aslam, who received a fake currency note, said, “It is very difficult for ordinary citizens to differentiate between genuine and the counterfeit notes.” He added, “I don’t know how and when I received the note.”

Similarly, Muzaffar Khan, a shopkeeper said, “I can distinguish between a real note and a counterfeit note. In recent days, I returned many fake notes to customers who came to my shop.” He said fake currency notes of Rs1,000, Rs500 and Rs100 are mostly being used in the markets.

Locals have demanded that the regional police officer and district police officer take note of matter and initiate appropriate action.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2018.