The government must take serious steps to discourage begging so that a culture of self-reliance can take root.
KARACHI: I would like to draw the attention of the relevant authorities towards a problem that is adversely affecting the economic and social conditions of Pakistan. The increase in begging in the country is a matter of serious concern. Those begging take advantage of the religious tradition of giving money to the poor via this method. Gangs operating in different parts of the country deploy child beggars at lucrative spots, hence violating child rights.
The stage for such a trend has been set by dire poverty and the lack of a social security system in Pakistan. The government must take serious steps to discourage begging so that a culture of self-reliance can take root.
Saman Karim
Published in The Express Tribune, February 18th, 2014.
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