Exploited abroad

Beggary is a significant social problem for many developing countries. In Pakistan, beggary is rising due to high cost-of-living and the lack of employment and has become almost like an organised industry. In some cases, the people running this racket even exploit poor people and send them to foreign countries to beg for money. This has become a problem for the country’s image and reputation.

Many beggars from Pakistan have been deported by foreign countries and its time for the government to make effective policies and get rid of this exploitative illegal industry. This must involve making human development a bigger priority, so that people will not fall prey to this cruel practice.

Dr Iftikhar Ahmed

Jacobabad

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The Ministry of Interior has disclosed that a total of 5,402 Pakistani nationals involved in begging have been deported from various foreign countries since 2024. This practice is considered both illegal and socially undesirable and is causing international embarrassment for our country. The government has to understand that this is not just a social ill but a well-oiled economy.

Although the government has added thousands of beggars to the Exit Control List, this only addresses the symptoms rather than the root causes. The government must rehabilitate those forced into begging through skill development and by introducing targeted social welfare programmes. An effective crackdown on trafficking networks is also needed.

Mudassar Farid Qureshi

Islamabad