Court orders ‘immediate and effective’ action against professional beggars

A sessions court has ordered “immediate and effective” action against professional beggars, including their arrest and initiation of legal procedures under the relevant laws.

Additional Sessions Judge (West) Sohail Ahmed Mashori directed the Karachi additional inspector general of police (AIG) to re-activate the police’s anti-beggary cell, which is reportedly dysfunctional since 2018.

Noting that collaboration with stakeholders, including the Social Welfare Department and Child Protection Bureau, is essential to address socio-economic factors and human trafficking elements, the judge instructed the Karachi police chief to appoint a focal person for coordination with these agencies.

He directed the director general of the Sindh Child Protection Authority to cooperate with the police in “dismantling child begging mafias and supporting cases involving child beggars”. The judge directed the authorities to submit their compliance report by May 28.

He recalled that on April 19, 2024, the AIG was directed to take necessary action to prevent begging at traffic signals, public places, etc. and submit a comprehensive complaince report through responsible police officers not below the rank of SSP. Consequently, he added the AIG issued directives to the DIGP East and South zones for compliance. However, compliance reports have yet not been submitted.

In his order, the judge further noted that the Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA) was ready to launch a drive against child beggars and work with the police for the purpose and house child beggars at SCPA Malir Shelter Home for their safety and rehabilitation.

On April 19, the court had dismissed a criminal petition filed by Ameera Khatoon seeking registration of an FIR against five people for allegedly harassing her after the police informed it that the petitioner and the proposed accused were beggars embroiled in a dispute over lucrative spots for panhandling.