ISLAMABAD:
Islamabad’s markets and public areas face an inflow of kid beggars working in coordinated teams, sparking calls for for pressing intervention, particularly within the holy month of Ramazan.
Residents report escalating encounters with minors directed by handlers to solicit cash, meals or items. The state of affairs has raised alarms over little one exploitation within the month of Ramazan, which is named a season for charity and giving.
With Eid purchasing additionally in full swing, crowded business zones like Blue Space, Jinnah Tremendous Market and fashionable eating strips have turn out to be focal factors for little one beggars. Buyers and households cite repeated encounters with kids who deploy persistent techniques, typically working in groups.
Speaking to the media, a neighborhood resident, Muhammad Asif, recounted how he has been often interrupted by minors who first demand money, then insist on meals, if refused. “What begins as a single little one approaching quickly turns into a number of requests. It leaves us uneasy,” he stated. One other resident, Hafeez Ullah, described being surrounded by teams of beggars whereas purchasing. “Oneperson approaches, then indicators others to hitch. It feels orchestrated,” he defined. Many residents suspect adults are directing these kids, leveraging public sympathy in the course of the holy month of Ramazan and the festive Eid interval.
In response to the rise in little one beggars, Islamabad’s district administration has intensified efforts to curb organised begging. A latest operation led to the switch of 25 little one beggars to the Edhi Heart, a neighborhood welfare organisation. Officers confirmed that minors are supplied shelter and care whereas authorities try to hint households or handlers.
On this regard, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC), Irfan Nawaz Memon highlighted the necessity to goal these benefiting from little one exploitation. “This isn’t nearly begging-it’s about legal networks exploiting minors,” he said. Memon known as for authorized motion towards organisers beneath little one safety legal guidelines and anti-trafficking statutes.
Whereas many welcome the crackdown, critics argue that short-term arrests or re-locations fail to handle root causes. Little one rights advocates stress that poverty, lack of training and weak enforcement permit syndicates to thrive. “Rescuing kids is a primary step, however with out rehabilitating them or prosecuting handlers, the cycle continues,” stated social employee Ayesha Khan.
Authorities have known as on residents to keep away from giving money straight and as a substitute report begging clusters by way of helplines. “Public cooperation is vital. Donations to organised teams perpetuate exploitation,” warned Memon.