As the holy month of Ramazan draws to a close and Eid shopping reaches its peak, Peshawar’s vibrant markets glow with lights, colours, and festive energy till late night. However, beneath the excitement, a growing and troubling phenomenon is unfolding such as an influx of professional and non-professional beggars that is testing both the patience and compassion of citizens.
Amid lights and Eid shoppers, a growing begging problems unfolds in Peshawar
By Fakhar-e-Alam
PESHAWAR, Mar 17 (APP):As the holy month of Ramazan draws to a close and Eid shopping reaches its peak, Peshawar’s vibrant markets glow with lights, colours, and festive energy till late night.
However, beneath the excitement, a growing and troubling phenomenon is unfolding such as an influx of professional and non-professional beggars that is testing both the patience and compassion of citizens.
From the historic lanes of Qissa Khwani bazaar to the bustling Saddar Road and the crowded shopping hubs of Deans Trade Centre and Meena Bazaar, shoppers said they are being persistently approached, followed, and at times harassed by individuals seeking alms especially during Iftar time.
“I came from Nowshera to Peshawar to secure maximum charity in the last days of Ramazan,” admitted Faraz Khan, a street beggar, speaking candidly at Qissa Khwani Bazaar. “People and traders here are generous. You can earn more here in a day than in smaller towns.”
Ramazan is a time deeply rooted in charity and alms with people eagerly distributing Zakat, Fitrana, and Sadqa. However, many believed that this spirit of giving is increasingly being exploited.
Shoppers recounted uncomfortable encounters as beggars crying loudly, clinging to passersby, chasing vehicles at traffic signals, and in some cases, using emotional pressure to extract money on the name of charity.
“They grab your arm, follow you, and sometimes don’t take no for an answer,” said Meena Gul, a shopper at Meena Bazaar while selecting footwear with matching suit. “You want to help the deserving, but you cannot tell who is genuinely in need and who is part of an organized network.”
Others pointed to tactics such as displaying medical prescriptions, disability certificates, or bringing along children to evoke sympathy.
In some alarming cases, individuals with visible wounds approach shoppers physically, raising concerns about hygiene and the possible spread of infectious diseases.
For many families, what should be a joyful Eid shopping experience has become increasingly stressful amid beggars influx.
Riazul Haq, a resident of Nowshera, described a disturbing incident and claimed that a teenage boy rushed towards him with something black in his hand and threatened to stain my clothes if I didn’t pay,” he said. “I had no choice but to give money. This is not charity rather it feels like coercion.”
Parents, too, are worried about the impact on their children and demanded strict action against beggars.
“It’s not just about inconvenience but a negative trend making bad impressions on young shoppers,” said Sumbal Bibi, a mother shopping with her family at Karimpura bazaar.
“Our children are witnessing aggressive behavior and learning the wrong lessons about begging and charity.”
Despite laws such as the West Pakistan Vagrancy Ordinance and child protection regulations, enforcement remains weak especially in KP.
Legal experts warned that begging has evolved into a more organized and seasonal activity, particularly during the last days of Ramazan.
“Beggary has become a serious social nuisance and must be addressed urgently,” said Advocate Noman Bukhari. “We already have sufficient laws, but their implementation is almost non-existent these days in Peshawar.”
He emphasized that existing frameworks, including child protection and anti-narcotics laws, could significantly reduce the problem if enforced effectively.
While frustration among several shoppers is evident, this social issue also has a deeply human dimension and economic situation.
Many beggars especially women and children belong to vulnerable segments of society with limited access to education, employment, and social safety nets. Some are believed to be controlled by organized groups that exploit them for profit.
“The real tragedy is that genuine poor people are overshadowed by professional beggars,” said Misal Khan, a retired Government servant.
“It becomes harder for society to respond compassionately when trust is eroded,” he said, adding vocational training to young beggars may bring them into social mainstream.
Officials from the social welfare department said efforts are underway to address the issue. Special drives have been launched to shift drug-addicted beggars to rehabilitation centers, where they are provided treatment, vocational training, and support to reintegrate into society.
“We are trying to turn them into productive members of society,” social welfare department spokesperson said. “But this is a complex issue that requires consistent effort and public cooperation.”
Citizens are now calling for a balanced approach especially one that combines strict action against organized begging networks with compassion and rehabilitation for those genuinely in need.
“There should be a system where deserving people are identified and supported properly,” said Meena Gul. “At the same time, authorities must take action against those exploiting religion and public generosity.”
Many are also urging the public to be more mindful in their giving, suggesting donations be directed toward verified charities or known deserving families.
As Eid approaches, the challenge for Peshawar is not just managing crowded markets, but safeguarding the true spirit of Ramazan as generosity rooted in sincerity, not exploitation.
Amid the lights, the shoppers rush, and the excitement of Eid preparations, the city finds itself grappling with a difficult question that how to remain compassionate without being taken advantage of.
For now, the answer lies somewhere between enforcement and empathy. People need to give donations to reputable charity organizations having clean record so that their alms amount could not be misused.
