KARACHI:
The begging ‘industry’ has become a big business that has spread across Pakistan. Vulnerable individuals, including the poor, disabled and young children, are trafficked from underprivileged areas to major cities of the country like Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Islamabad. They are then forced to beg, and most or all of their earnings go to their handlers. Begging was once a means for the poor to survive, but it has now evolved into a roaring business that generates an estimated $42 billion per year — more than 12 per cent of the country’s GDP. It is estimated that over 38 million people are engaged in begging in various areas.
While walking down a street in Quetta one day, I noticed a black car with tinted windows stopping to drop off children at various locations. Shortly afterwards, I observed these children starting to beg. I was shocked to witness this. It was evident that the driver was part of an organised begging network, likely exploiting and grooming these vulnerable children for begging. This sad reality highlights a grim aspect of our society, where distinguishing between the truly needy and those manipulated by powerful mafias has become increasingly difficult. To cap it all, the government should take strict action against the begging industry. Additionally, there have been calls for a social boycott of beggars to discourage this exploitative practice.
Salah Uddin Kakar
Quetta
