A street performer in Lahore, known for dressing as a golden statue, has been arrested on accusations of begging. The artist, who goes by the name Muhammad, denies the allegations, asserting that people voluntarily give him money as part of his act. "I am a resident of Band Road and a father of two," Muhammad told the police.

The traffic police detained Muhammad in the Gulberg area of Lahore, where he was performing his act, standing still with his body and clothes painted gold.

"I entertain people by dressing as a golden statue. People willingly give me money; I do not beg," Muhammad explained.

Muhammad, a 30-year-old father of two, used to perform in Gulberg, painting himself gold and standing motionless to amuse passersby.

"This is an art form practiced worldwide, but the traffic police do not understand the difference between art and begging," Muhammad argued. "I simply stand by the roadside."

A traffic warden mentioned that the arrest was ordered by senior officials, claiming that the performer was causing an obstruction to traffic.