Menace continues: ‘Professional’ beggars create nuisance in Sialkot markets

Sialkot Cantonment Board has initiated action in the Cantt area

SIALKOT: Packs of professional beggars have infiltrated different markets in Sialkot. In recent years, the city has virtually become a breeding ground for especially trained beggars of all ages. They roam around the streets with fake medical prescriptions, asking for alms and mostly tell lies to win public sympathy.

A visit to different markets by Express News revealed that most professional beggars operate in shifts. Every morning, the first shift is dropped off at designated points dotted around the city by their handlers. After working at their respective corners for a few hours, their handlers pick them up and replace them with the “evening shift”.

They have staked their claim to roadsides, traffic signals, shopping malls and downtown markets. Men, women, children and the elderly hound citizens, pestering them relentlessly until they are given money. Many beggars ask for treatment and food, while some fool the people in every possible manner.

Clad in rags, these beggars convince people into giving them money. During a visit to many places, it was discovered that these people have discovered new ways of begging to make a quick buck.

“They swarm around cars when one stops at traffic signals and do not let you go unless you give them some money,” said Ali Hassan, a resident of Officers’ Colony.

“Begging has become a nuisance in our society. The number of beggars is increasing with each passing day,” said Amir Sultan, a resident of Rangpura.

He added that the government should take strict action against the begging mafia and eradicate this menace.

Mehwish Fayyaz, a housewife, said she has to deal with these people the entire day. “Beggars have outnumbered shoppers in the city.”

“Due of these professional beggars, some of the truly needy and deserving are left out,” she maintained.

Meanwhile, the Sialkot Cantonment Board has initiated a crackdown against the beggars in Cantt area on instructions from the army. They have rounded up several beggars and sent them behind bars. Citizens have appreciated the move and urged the administration to initiate action in other areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 28^th, 2018.