Professional Beggars’ Influx in Quetta Alarms Citizens, Shopkeepers Demand Immediate Crackdown
QUETTA: The increasing presence of professional beggars in Balochistan’s capital has become a source of serious concern for citizens and shopkeepers, with dozens of men, women and children seen begging at busy markets, roads, intersections and traffic signals across the city.
Citizens have urged the district administration to take immediate and effective action against professional begging networks. They said forcibly asking for money, knocking on vehicle windows and using women and children to emotionally pressure people into giving alms had become increasingly common.
Residents also alleged that some professional beggars had been involved in incidents of pickpocketing, theft and fraud. Several citizens said the situation had gone beyond a minor nuisance and required urgent attention from the authorities.
The beggars are also frequently seen outside major markets, hospitals, places of worship and educational institutions, making movement difficult for pedestrians and creating inconvenience for visitors. Some shopkeepers said they were sometimes compelled to give money simply to avoid persistent pressure and harassment.
Citizens have also questioned the apparent inaction of the district administration and police, asking why effective measures had not been taken despite the issue being repeatedly highlighted. They questioned whether influential groups or individuals were backing organized begging networks.
Citizens have called on the Government of Balochistan, the Quetta commissioner and the deputy commissioner to launch an immediate crackdown on professional beggars, identify organized groups and take legal action against those operating such networks.
They also demanded that individuals who use children for begging be prosecuted under relevant child protection laws. At the same time, they called for the establishment of welfare and rehabilitation facilities for genuinely needy people so that deserving individuals could receive assistance through organized and dignified means.
