Beggary turns into lucrative business in provincial metropolis.

PESHAWAR -- Beggary has turned into a profitable business in the provincial capital as beggars earlier limited to bazaars and roads, have now stretched to streets and colonies in the district.

A survey conducted in the city, revealed that a record increase has been witnessed in number of beggars especially at marriage ceremonies and outside the mosques.

It was reported that along with locals, a large number of beggars from Punjab and Sindh were also seen begging at different crossings, roads, main markets and posh areas. On the other hand, the district administration and Social Welfare Department, despite their continuous efforts, were seemed helpless to curb the menace of large-scale beggary.

According to an earlier report prepared some five months back by the district administration, there were above 1,600 professional beggars in Peshawar city with estimated income of Rs300,000 per month.' The report was prepared by the committee headed by Assistant Commissioner Peshawar Dr Ehtesham-ul-Haq.

The officials said that there is an organized mafia behind the beggars, which includes women and children, and every effort will be made to root them out from the city.

The report revealed, 'Beggars in important commercial areas...