Countering the Growing Menace of Professional Beggary in Pakistan

Hafeez Ahmed Khan

Organized begging is a type of criminal activity involving exploiting people to solicit or receive alms from others. Organized begging is usually carried out by groups or networks of beggars who operate under the supervision or coercion of a leader or a master. Organized begging can take different forms, such as:

  • Using children, women, elderly, disabled, or sick people as tools to gain sympathy and money from the public. These people are often abducted, trafficked, or forced to beg by the organizers, who keep a large share of their earnings.
  • Faking or exaggerating physical or mental disabilities, injuries, diseases, or deformities to elicit pity and donations from the public. Some beggars may even mutilate or injure themselves or others to create a more convincing appearance.
  • Pretending to be religious or spiritual figures, such as monks, priests, or saints, to appeal to the faith and generosity of the public. Some beggars may also use religious symbols, scriptures, or chants to attract attention and donations.
  • Claiming to be victims of natural disasters, wars, conflicts, or other calamities, and asking for help or relief from the public. Some beggars may also use fake documents, photos, or stories to support their claims.

In Pakistan, begging is a widespread and persistent social problem that affects millions of people, especially children. Begging is also a lucrative business for some professional beggars and mafias, who exploit the poverty, charity, and convenience of the people. Begging is punishable by up to three years imprisonment in Pakistan, but police and lawyers say convictions are rare. In 2011, the Lahore High Court ruled that the government should strictly enforce laws to discourage “professional beggary,” set up homes for the destitute, and improve charity disbursements.

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However, the existing laws and policies are not enough to control begging in Pakistan. There is a need for a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses the legislative, administrative, judicial, social, cultural, economic, and other perspectives of the issue. Some of the possible measures are:

  • Enacting and implementing a uniform and effective law that defines and prohibits begging and provides for the rehabilitation, education, and employment of beggars and their dependents. The law should also include provisions for the prevention, detection, and prosecution of organized begging and trafficking and the protection of the rights and welfare of the victims.
  • Establishing and strengthening the institutions and mechanisms for the enforcement of the law, such as the police, the courts, the probation officers, and the certified institutions. The institutions and mechanisms should be well-equipped, well-trained, well-coordinated, and well-monitored to ensure their efficiency and accountability.
  • Developing and promoting alternative sources of income and livelihood for the poor and vulnerable people who resort to begging. The government, the private sector, and the civil society should work together to create and support the opportunities for education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and employment for potential and former beggars.
  • Raising awareness and changing the attitude of the public towards begging and beggars. The media, religious leaders, celebrities, and influencers should play a role in educating and sensitizing the people about the causes and consequences of begging and the ways to help the beggars without encouraging their dependency and exploitation. The public should also be encouraged to report and resist the cases of organized begging and trafficking.

Therefore, it is vital for the government and Pakistani society to eradicate the menace of beggary. Some of the recommendations to control beggary in Pakistan are:

  • Creating a national database and registration system for the beggars and their families and issuing them identity cards and social security numbers. This would help to identify and track genuine and professional beggars and to provide them with the necessary services and benefits.
  • Providing incentives and subsidies for the beggars and their families to enroll in formal or informal education and training programs, and to access health care and other social welfare schemes. This would help to improve their human capital and social inclusion, and to reduce their vulnerability and dependency.
  • Establishing a network of shelters, homes, and rehabilitation centers for the beggars and their dependents, especially the children, women, elderly, disabled, and sick. These facilities would provide them with the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, shelter, and hygiene, and also with the counseling, guidance, and support for their reintegration into the society.
  • Encouraging and facilitating the participation and contribution of the beggars and their families in the community development and civic activities, such as volunteering, campaigning, and organizing. This would help to enhance their self-esteem and self-reliance, and to foster their sense of belonging and citizenship.
  • Mobilizing and collaborating with the local and international organizations and agencies that work for the welfare and empowerment of the beggars and their families, such as NGOs, charities, foundations, and donors. This would help to leverage the resources and expertise of these entities, and to coordinate and harmonize the efforts and interventions for the prevention and eradication of begging.

Lastly, the people should not encourage the beggars. It is an organized crime, and they should support the law enforcement agencies to counter the growing professional beggary. 

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