KARACHI, May 27: Lack of interest on part of the police has not only made a failure of the drive against roadside beggars and hawkers, specially at the traffic signals, but also encouraged them to spread their tentacles all over the city, including the airport.

Though not a very common sight yet, one can find one or two women or children begging for alms from passengers or those visiting the airport to receive or drop off their dear ones outside the arrival and departure lounges. The presence of beggars and hawkers in the parking area is also on the rise.

“They slip into the arrival and departure lounges on the pretext of receiving relatives and then start begging,” an official told this scribe at the airport. “We expel them soon after they are identified,” he added.

Though begging has remained popular in the country throughout history, the recent sagging economic conditions, rising unemployment and soaring cost of living has multiplied the number of beggars.

The repeated campaigns and drives against beggary launched by the social welfare department have always failed due to two main reasons, said a social worker. One, that most of the beggars are professionals who have opted for begging as an easy way out and with a higher earning potential. Second, the government departments lack adequate funds to feed the arrested beggars at the special homes set up for the purpose.

Among the spots where beggars can be found in abundance are traffic signals, railways station, bus stands, eating places, hospitals, markets, etc.

Besides begging for alms, some pose as impoverished street vendors and ask for financial help on the pretext of having younger brothers and sisters, children or ailing parents to feed and clothe. A large number can also be found sitting in front of eating places and are usually provided food.

Another popular begging style, though not a very popular one as it involves a lot of hard work is often witnessed at different roads of the city such as Clifton, Dalmia, University and Drigh Road during traffic hours.

Couples supporting one or the other walk slowly along the roadside, posing as if they are going to the hospital for treatment but have no money to travel by bus, etc. When and if offered a lift by an unsuspecting motorist, they narrate the story of hungry children, old parents, unemployment and an empty pocket which cannot afford treatment. They also carry one or two prescriptions on them.—APP