Under the public agenda of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, a successful operation against beggars was launched in Peshawar under the leadership of Commissioner Peshawar Division, Riyaz Khan Mahsud

Peshawar. January 24. Under the public agenda of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, a successful operation against beggars was launched in Peshawar under the leadership of Commissioner Peshawar Division, Riyaz Khan Mahsud. During this operation, six contractors who were exploiting beggars were arrested, and raids were conducted to arrest an additional 18 contractors. The operation was led by Deputy Commissioner Peshawar, Sarfraz Saleem Akram, during which more than 300 beggars were taken into custody. Most of these beggars were women and children, who had been exploited and forced into this degrading trade.
According to information obtained from the beggars themselves, they are controlled by contractors and operate in different areas of Peshawar. The Peshawar Saddar area, Peshawar Club Chowk, and Pir Zakori Bridge Chowk are some of the key locations where beggars are forced to earn up to 12,000 rupees per day, which they are obligated to hand over to their contractors. Other high-earning areas include University Road, Phase Three Chowk, Ghari Qamar Din Bridge, Dabgari Garden, Chowk Yadgar, People Mandi, Andar Sheher Bazaar, Qissa Khawani, Khyber Bazaar, Shoba Bazaar, Peshawar Saddar Bazaar, and Factory Market, where beggars gather large amounts of money on a daily basis.
Professional beggars are transported to these locations in specific vehicles arranged by their contractors, and they are taken back to their residences at night. Commissioner Riyaz Khan Mahsud expressed satisfaction with the operation, instructing that the remaining 18 contractors be arrested and that every possible facility be provided to the beggars in custody. Furthermore, the Commissioner mentioned that once all contractors are arrested, full details about the activities of the group and the locations they operate in will be shared with the media after the completion of the operation.
This action by the provincial government and Commissioner Peshawar has been widely praised in public circles, as it not only takes a strong step against beggars but also sends a clear message to prevent such illegal activities. The operation has been hailed as a commendable initiative, but the question arises: How do these beggars and contractors manage to organize again?
It is essential that the government and Commissioner Peshawar ensure that these groups do not reorganize. To achieve this, a thorough investigation of the individuals behind these groups is necessary. All individuals, whether government officials or private individuals, involved in this illegal activity should be identified and prosecuted according to the law. Additionally, the contractors should be made to guarantee that they will not engage in this illegal and unethical business again.
To completely eradicate begging in Peshawar, the government needs to take further steps. This includes increasing surveillance in areas where beggars are typically found, identifying their hideouts, and imposing strict penalties on the contractors. Public awareness campaigns can also be introduced to educate people about this illegal trade and encourage them to avoid participating in or supporting it, thus contributing to the fight against begging.
While successful operations are important, if no long-term measures are taken, these groups may organize again. The government has the responsibility to find a permanent solution to this issue and ensure that begging is completely eradicated from the streets of Peshawar.