Perhaps the assignment of begging should only be there for our leaders
KARACHI: Unfortunately, our country is infested with beggars of all types. Street begging is a regular nuisance. It is a blot on the name of our country. Begging is an evil. But in Pakistan, it has become an organised fraud and profession. At almost every bus stop, in buses, in trains, in bazaars and near places of worship, there are hoards of beggars. Our national prestige suffers a good deal when beggars greet foreigners at every turn of the road. No doubt giving alms is believed to be a religious act but then alms are not meant for young and able-bodied persons. Unfortunately, most beggars that we see are able-bodied. Thus, this so-called charity leads to many vices. Some of the groups of beggars are even involved in robberies and organised crime. The need of the hour is that this social evil must be eradicated. Seemingly healthy beggars should be made to work. The disabled, crippled and blind beggars, however, should be kept in charitable places where they should be taken care of and where they can perform such tasks that they are able to despite being handicapped. Beggary should be declared illegal by an act of parliament. Public opinion should be fostered against it. The government should come forward to kill this evil. Perhaps the assignment of begging should only be there for our leaders.
Asadullah
Published in The Express Tribune, December 4th, 2014.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
