By: Huzefa Qazi
A two-member bench of the Sindh High Court comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Arshad Hussain raised several questions on the use of children for begging and violation of the Child Protection Act by seeking answers from IG Sindh and Advocate General at the next hearing. The court has asked who are the beggars of children? How many cases have been registered for violating the Child Protection Act and what steps have been taken by the provincial government to protect children begging in the streets? The petition, which was heard in the High Court on Friday, was filed by an NGO while it was in its service, so the scope of the questions was limited to children whose future was bright. The chances of a prediction seem slim. One of the recognized causes of begging is hunger and unemployment, but there is room for doubt in the mafia-style manner in which networks are operating in many cities, including Karachi, contrary to anti-begging laws. The general impression is that the mafias take over the monopolies of high-income areas and places, and that the people assigned to them (including children) are assigned to deliver, deliver and return food at designated times. Not only is it going on in an orderly manner, but there is also a clear determination of who to sit and beg for, where to chase passers-by and shoppers, and which supervisors to monitor their performance. There is also evidence that these mafias are suspected of being involved in crimes, including drug trafficking. Necessary steps should be taken in this regard in all cities including Karachi.