Sir: In a densely populated country like Pakistan, street beggars can be seen everywhere who beg for food or money from the general public by exaggerating their problems and condition. Besides beggars with disabilities, some persons having small animals as pets can also be seen roaming on the roads, mostly at traffic signals. They attract children and ask their parents for money. There is a question whether they are really needy or just professionals. How could someone be so needy when he or she keeps asking for money the whole day while standing at the same place every day? If he or she is so needy, then at some point his or her need should be fulfilled, but how could the need be fulfilled when they have made begging their profession? These beggars are also involved in kidnapping children, as the children are attracted towards them because of their monkey shows on the road. They are also involved in selling children and sometimes are involved in child sexual abuse too. Most of the beggars are also involved in drug trafficking. The local government should take strong and courageous action against this growing mafia in the cities to secure the life and assets of the public. Security measures should be taken and the government should create awareness among the public through different projects to control the street crime in which this begging mafia is involved. SARWAT GHOURI Via Email