‘Professional’ beggars create nuisance in Mandi Bahauddin

Many ask for treatment and food, while some fool people in other ways

GUJRANWALA:  

Professional beggars have infiltrated different markets in Mandi Bahuddin’s Pahrianwali Town in large numbers. In recent years, the area 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 beggars operate in shifts. They have occupied roadsides, traffic signals, shopping malls and markets and ask alms from the people. Men, women, children and the elderly could be seen begging from citizens, annoying them until they are given money. Many beggars ask for treatment and food, while some fool the people in other ways.

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

A resident of Dinga Road, Faiz Muhammad said, “These beggars are a nuisance for the society. They have made this a business to earn money and we all should discourage this practice.”

Tariq Shamim, who runs an eatery shop in the town, said that recently there has been a sharp increase in the number of beggars in the area. “They have made the lives of people miserable. Whenever customers come to my shop to eat, they surround the cars and ask for alms,” he maintained.

He added, “Despite warnings they show up again and again. The district administration should do something to get rid of them.”

A student from Government Postgraduate College for Women Hina Asghar said, “Our religion discourages begging. The government should devise a strategy to eradicate this menace from our society.”

She highlighted, “Due to these professional beggars, some of the truly needy and deserving are left out.”