Beggars these days have become more artful and know human psychology better than most of us. They know how to manipulate and evoke emotions to get a maximum amount of money. They select the right location, choose appropriate words and assume perfect appearance to attract your attraction and sympathies. Indeed, begging has become a profession in Karachi.
It is a common observation that various handicapped people are brought on wheelchairs and made to sit and beg at specific public places. It is all done by professional gangs in coalition with government authorities. The emergence of eunuchs of late has increased the problem many times.
It is astonishing to witness the business of beggary thriving in the presence of numerous social organisations like Edhi, Chipa Sellani, Alamgir Trust because these NGOs are actively engaged in improving the plight of the poor and downtrodden.
Clearly, the begging we see on our streets is not born out of poverty or some other economic compulsion for meeting genuine human needs. The city police are required to take action under relevant laws and arrest these beggars and put them at orphanages set up by NGOs where they can be taught skills to earn a living instead of relying on handouts.
MAIRA SHAKOOR
Karachi
