A Lahore-based street artist has been arrested on charges of begging, but he denies the allegations, stating that he does not ask for money—people give it willingly. “I am a resident of Band Road and a father of two,” he told the police.
According to reports, the traffic police detained the street performer in Lahore’s Gulberg area, where he stood still like a statue with his body and clothes painted in gold.
“I entertain people by dressing as a golden statue. People voluntarily give me money, but I do not beg,” said the artist, identified as Muhammad.
Muhammad, a 30-year-old father of two, lives on Band Road and used to perform in Gulberg by painting himself gold and standing motionless.
“This is an art form practiced worldwide, but the traffic police do not understand the difference between art and begging,” he argued. “I simply stand by the roadside.”
A traffic warden stated that the arrest was made on the orders of senior officials, claiming that the performer was obstructing traffic.
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پاناما لیکس اور ویکی لیکس والوں کو آج تک پکڑ نہیں سکے
جو حالات کے ستائے ہوئے ہوتے ہیں وہاں سب بھوکے ببر شیر بنے آ جاتے ہیں۔
He is right it’s not begging but he should stand at a place where there is no traffic but lots of pedestrian just like in the western countries.
Yes agreed . It’s not begging and he should be allowed as an artist. It’s common sight in Europe and America where they entertain on the streets and the tourists and residents take pictures with them and put some change or money in a hat or bag placed near them.
شرم آنی چاہیے انہیں بغیرت جن سے بھتا کھاتے ہیں ان کو کبھی کچھ نہیں کہا اس غریب پر زور آزما رہے ہیں