Pakistan has taken measures against beggers in foreign countries to better their image
KARACHI: It is commendable that the interior minister has issued instructions against beggars in foreign countries, in an attempt to save the country’s image. However, the country’s image would not have been the only reason behind the move. Beggars, often being of young age, consciously chose not to become part of an active workforce and contribute to social burden and inequality. The interior minister should first order action against hoards of professional and seasonal beggars who operate in gangs and often earn more than a decent income of a salaried employee, inside the country.
With a rising proportion of the population living below the poverty line, making a conscious choice to beg cannot be denied. However, with that being an easy way out most form gangs with covert assistance of the police and rather run organised groups. Hence, the problem is an outcome of two major reasons, one being the widening social inequality and rising poverty levels and other being the mindset of the individuals who despite being capable of earning respectfully would choose beggary over labour.
So ordering a crackdown on beggars would not eradicate beggary from its root, state-run welfare projects and philanthropy initiatives are equally needed too.
Ammar Ahmed
Published in The Express Tribune, October 24th, 2017.
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