Beggary Turns Into Organized Nuisance in Islamabad
Beenish Maqbool
Islamabad: Once known for its orderliness and serene atmosphere, the capital city of Islamabad is now increasingly grappling with a persistent nuisance—organized beggary. Despite repeated crackdowns by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, the streets, traffic signals, and marketplaces are witnessing a surge in beggars, including women and children.
From the heart of the capital in sectors F-6, F-7, and F-10 Markaz to the bustling commercial areas of housing societies along Islamabad Expressway—PWD, Police Foundation, and Pakistan Town—the visibility of beggars is not just growing but becoming alarmingly structured.
Residents and commuters frequently encounter individuals who appear to be part of a coordinated network, allegedly trafficked or transported to specific locations in the city each morning and picked up by handlers at dusk.
“These are not just random poor people,” said Saleem Khan, a local businessman. “Many of them operate in groups. They appear trained, aggressive at times, and disturbingly persistent. If refused alms, some resort to verbal abuse or even scratch your car in frustration.”
Beggars or Criminal Scouts?
For many, the problem extends beyond annoyance. Residents report a rising trend of petty thefts and robberies in areas where beggars are commonly found. There are suspicions that some of the rag-pickers seen roaming streets during the day are actually conducting reconnaissance, identifying potential targets for burglaries later at night.
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“It’s becoming hard to differentiate between someone in need and someone scouting your home,” said Amina Rafeeq, a housewife and mother of two. “Beggars have even approached my kids on their way to school. It’s heartbreaking, but also terrifying. You don’t know who to trust.”
Tactics of Sympathy
Their techniques are diverse and emotionally manipulative. From elderly individuals claiming to need money for medical treatment or a daughter’s wedding, to young women holding infants, and children selling flowers or trinkets—the methods are clearly designed to tug at heartstrings.
Aiman Baig, a working woman, shared her frustration: “Some of them cling to your car window. Others pass derogatory remarks if you ignore them. It’s a daily ordeal whether you’re at a traffic signal on Jinnah Avenue or shopping in a market.”
Crackdowns Without Continuity
The ICT administration, aware of the challenge, continues to launch operations aimed at removing beggars from public spaces. “We routinely conduct raids and detain professional beggars,” an official from Islamabad Police told APP. “We provide them with temporary shelter, food, and vocational training opportunities to help them earn a living.”
Yet, these operations offer only temporary relief. “Within days of a crackdown, they return,” lamented a resident from G-9. “It’s like a revolving door.”
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The police official admitted the challenge runs deeper than visible action. “Many of these beggars are part of criminal syndicates. They are brought in from other areas, stationed strategically, and picked up in the evening. It’s a business for these networks.”
The Need for a Holistic Solution
Dr Nabeel Mudasir, a sociologist, stressed that simply locking up beggars will not fix the problem. “Beggary, especially involving minors and women, threatens the social fabric and fosters exploitation. We need a two-pronged strategy—strict action against professional beggars and a strong welfare support system for the genuinely destitute.”
Civil society actors echo this sentiment. The CEO of Dolphin NGO, an organization working for the rehabilitation of street beggars, emphasized the need to go beyond punitive measures. “We must understand the root causes—poverty, unemployment, displacement—and address them through sustainable rehabilitation programs. Just giving handouts isn’t enough; we must offer alternatives for survival.”
Citizens’ Role
As the city grapples with this complex challenge, a collective response is being called for. Residents, NGOs, and authorities must join hands to distinguish between need and nuisance, and advocate for policies that provide long-term support to those in need while dismantling the criminal networks profiting from organized begging.
Until then, Islamabad’s residents remain trapped between compassion and caution—torn between the desire to help and the fear of being deceived or endangered.
The feature report was released by APP on May 4, 2025.
The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.
