Reviving economy? Pakistan’s begging industry earns $42 billion every year
Notably, 90 percent of beggars apprehended overseas are of Pakistani origin, leading to overcrowded prisons in host countries.
The Pakistan government faces a new challenge that threatens its global reputation: citizens masquerading as beggars in foreign countries. In response, authorities have decided to suspend the passports of 2,000 individuals who exploit religious activities and pilgrimage as a cover for begging. This practice has drawn international attention and prompted the government to take decisive action.
The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of External Affairs are collaborating to finalize a coordinated policy addressing this issue. Their efforts come after alarming reports last September revealed an increasing number of Pakistani beggars being trafficked abroad. Notably, 90 percent of beggars apprehended overseas are of Pakistani origin, leading to overcrowded prisons in host countries.
Saudi Arabia and Iraq, both affected by this influx of beggars, have urged Pak to curb the problem. In a significant incident, pickpockets caught at Mecca’s Grand Mosque in 2023 were also traced back to Pakistani nationals.
Profit Motive and Alarming Statistics
A policy report from the Centre for Business and Society in Pakistan sheds light on the underlying factors driving begging within the country. Profits from begging often exceed those from unskilled labor, creating a lucrative incentive for individuals to engage in this activity.
Recent data indicates that 44,000 beggars have been repatriated to Pakistan from countries like Saudi Arabia over the past two and a half years. Within Pakistan, approximately 38 million people rely on begging as their profession, earning an average of PKR 850 daily. Astonishingly, charitable contributions to beggars amount to Rs 32 billion per day, totaling around Rs 117 trillion annually (equivalent to $42 billion).
However, this reliance on begging has broader implications. The non-productive nature of these 38 million individuals contributes to a 21 percent inflation rate, affecting the entire nation.
Exploitation of Children
Begging practices intersect with cultural customs, particularly among Muslims visiting shrines. Unfortunately, this has given rise to a “begging mafia” that exploits children. In 2010, 3,000 children went missing in Karachi alone, highlighting the severity of the issue.
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) estimates that 2.5 to 11 percent of Pakistan’s population chooses begging as a means of survival. Approximately 1.2 million children roam the streets of major urban centers, caught in this cycle of poverty.
To address this crisis, officials from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis propose blocking the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) of beggars engaged in this activity. Additionally, Senator Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi emphasizes the urgent need for employment opportunities. She advocates for targeted training programs in medical fields, such as nursing and midwifery, and the establishment of an online portal to disseminate real-time information on job opportunities abroad. As Pakistan grapples with this complex issue, the government’s actions will determine whether it can effectively combat the begging menace while providing alternative pathways for its citizens.
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