Beggars at pilgrimages

Professional begging, by Pakistanis abroad, tarnishes the country’s reputation on the global stage. The recent incident in which a large sum of over Rs500,000 was discovered in the possession of an alleged elderly beggar in Sargodha district sheds light on a troubling issue. This individual, holding a significant amount of money, was found unconscious on the street, prompting a closer examination of the circumstances surrounding his actions. It was revealed that he had a passport indicating multiple travels to Saudi Arabia, whose government has increasingly complained about Pakistani-origin beggars flooding its cities, especially around holy sites. The beggars are not only a nuisance for locals and pilgrims; many of them are involved in pickpocketing and other crimes.

Such instances not only reflect poorly on the image of Pakistanis overseas but also raise concerns about the exploitation of Umrah visas for illegitimate purposes. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has acknowledged that a substantial number of beggars traveling abroad are involved in exploiting human trafficking channels. This reflects negatively not only on the individuals engaging in such activities but also on the entire nation.

Some estimates suggest that 90% of beggars caught in the Middle East are of Pakistani origin. Even if the number — vaguely proffered in a Senate panel meeting — is exaggerated, it is indisputable that a significant proportion of beggars in wealthier regional countries are of Pakistani origin. This strains diplomatic relations and damages the perception of Pakistanis as law-abiding and responsible global citizens. We cannot allow beggary to become one of our famous exports. Strict action must be taken to punish professional beggars, such as ensuring they also face sanctions once they are deported back, including jail time and permanent denial of passports. This would not only deter individuals from engaging in such activities but also contribute to rebuilding a positive image of Pakistanis overseas.