KARACHI:
What happens when a person can earn more money by begging on the streets than by working hard throughout the day? This is becoming a growing concern in our society, raising serious questions about the value of honest labour.
Today, begging has turned into a lucrative source of income for many, while cleaners, labourers and shopkeepers often struggle to provide for their families. Some individuals earn a considerable amount through begging, especially in busy markets, at traffic signals and in public places. National estimates and urban surveys in major cities like Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi reveal that street beggars, on an average, earn between Rs1,500 and Rs3,000 per day, with earnings rising to between Rs5,000 and Rs10,000 per day during Ramadan and festive seasons. Meanwhile, hardworking individuals spend long hours doing physically demanding jobs but receive very little in return.
A major driver behind this situation is the lack of job opportunities, coupled with low wages and the rising cost of living. When honest work does not provide enough money to survive, some may view begging as an easier way to make a living. However, we must also remember that not everyone who begs does so by choice; many genuinely need support.
The government must ensure better job opportunities, implement fair wages and take strict action against organised begging networks. At the same time, citizens should support truly needy people through responsible charity and trusted organisations.
Iman Mustafa
Karachi
