Fatima Afzal, Daily Dawn, Dawn TV 24 Report
In a metropolitan city like Lahore, organized groups of beggars often exploit the generosity and compassion of citizens through a variety of tactics, extending far beyond roadside traffic signals. In some cases, children with disabilities are used to attract sympathy, while in others, women and elderly individuals are sent forward to seek donations. There are also instances where fabricated stories are used to persuade people to give money.
Police officials say that beggars in Lahore collectively earn more than Rs 1.5 crore each day, indicating the presence of a highly organized network. Authorities describe this system as a mafia-like structure, with the city divided into different territories. Each territory is reportedly managed by a contractor who oversees operations and receives a portion of the money collected through begging.
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