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RAWALPINDI, Nov 26 (APP):The Department of Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal Rawalpindi Division on Wednesday organised awareness walks and seminars across the division to curb begging and promote public understanding of the issue.
The central walk in Rawalpindi proceeded from the Social Welfare Complex on Khanna Road to Chungi No. 8, with large participation from citizens, civil society representatives, departmental officials, and staff. The walk was jointly led by Divisional Director Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal Muhammad Shahid Rana, Director Labour Samiullah Khan, and In-Charge of the Child Protection Bureau Rao Khalil Ahmed. Participants carried placards highlighting slogans against begging and urging public awareness.
Speakers said begging “not only fuels social degradation but also encourages child exploitation, organised criminal activity, and urban problems”. They warned that professional beggars exploited society and urged citizens not to encourage such elements and to report them to relevant authorities.
Similar walks and awareness seminars were held in the division’s other districts, including Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum, and the Rawalpindi Industrial Area, with strong participation from district officials, social organisations, and local residents.
Officials emphasised that the elimination of begging required both government action and active public cooperation. They said the department was taking effective measures against professional beggars and had deployed special teams to identify them. The citizens were urged to provide assistance to genuine needy individuals through recognised institutions to ensure aid reaches the truly deserving.