CHARSADDA: Visitors and shopkeepers have demanded a crackdown on beggars in the Charsadda Bazaar ahead of Ramazan.

They complained that beggars, including men, women and children, had thronged the bazaar along with crossing points, mosques, picnic spots and other public places after seeing a large number of shoppers.

The residents said beggars were also involved in other criminal activities.

They insisted that the social welfare department took action against baggers a few months ago but the very next day, they returned.

The residents demanded a continued crackdown on beggars.

Shopkeeper at Farooq Azam Chowk Bazaar Mansoor Khan said a large number of nomadic beggars along with their children were seen in Charsadda Bazaar in large numbers.

When contacted, district social welfare officer Syed Mohammad Younis Bacha said the Darul Kafalah should be established for the beggars’ rehabilitation.

He also called for provision of skills training to beggars to make them valuable citizens.

“We will soon start an awareness campaign against beggary,” he said.

The official said a three-day deadline would be issued to baggers to quit the practice to prevent action.

Meanwhile, the Land Owners Association Tangi and Muhammadzai National Alliance have criticised the police over failure to remove illegal occupation of their lands by peasants and demanded intervention by the Pakistan Army and FC.

They also urged political parties to help resolve the lingering issue between farmers and owners.

In this regard, a joint emergency meeting was held by the Land Owners Association and Muhammadzai National Alliance, which was addressed by former FC IG Liaquat Ali Khan, Akbar Nawaz Khan, Asim Ali Khan, Amir Nawaz Khan, Taslim Khan, Dilawar Khan, Dost Mohammad Khan and others.

The participants condemned torching of land owners’ tractors by peasants in the Mandani area in the presence of the police.

They said that due to the “irresponsible” role of police, tensions had increased in the area.

Participants decided that they would raise their voice at every forum to protect their rights.

They demanded strict action against encroachers.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2025