OVER the last few months, professional beggars seem to have invaded the upscale Defence Housing Authority (DHA) neighbourhood in Karachi, and have taken a virtual control of all the major traffic intersections in the entire area. Apparently, the ‘preparations’ for Ramazan have begun a bit early this year among the national community of beggars. And, Karachi, of course, remains a dream destination for the massive majority within the community.

As soon as motorists stop at a traffic light anywhere in the DHA, they are surrounded by beggars from all directions. This infiltration of beggars also gives an opportunity — a camouflage, in fact — to street criminals who carry out their nefarious activities behind the façade provided by the swarm of beggars.

I drive daily on Khayaban-i-Shujaat in DHA phase VI, and its intersection with Khayaban-i-Shahbaz is usually flooded with beggars till pretty late in the night. Amongst them are a couple of those who are wheelchair-bound and they emerge in the middle of the road from nowhere, posing a serious hazard for the motorists, especially at night. It is as if they want something to happen, which will then increase their chances of extortion.

I lodged a complaint with the heavily advertised DHA helpline 1092, but the staff expressed its helplessness in doing anything about the issue despite having hundreds of patrol vehicles, mobile vans, motorbikes and an even higher number of security personnel.

Ironically, the same DHA security staff members are notorious for harassing area residents for petty issues, some of which are even beyond their domain. One wonders why millions of rupees from taxpayers’ money are being spent on advertising the DHA helpline if it cannot ensure the safety and security of the area residents.

While the DHA security personnel drive around in shiny new patrol vehicles with flashing strobe lights and sirens, and consume fuel at the residents’ expense, the beggar mafia continues to rule the roads across DHA. One can only hope that things will improve post-Ramazan.

Aamir Malik
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2024