A RECENT revelation by the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis during a briefing to the Senate has caused considerable embarrassment for the country. The shocking statistic of 90pc beggars arrested abroad — particularly in Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq — being Pakistanis not only raises concerns regarding human trafficking but also carries far-reaching implications for our global image. It is highly unfortunate that pilgrim visas are being misused for such activities and it is a matter of grave concern that at a place of extreme reverence, Masjid al-Haram, pickpockets are found to predominantly be Pakistanis. To add insult to injury, Japan has emerged as a new destination for such activities, further broadening the scope of the challenge.

The state must reflect on what prompts such acts of desperation. A knee-jerk reaction would be to blame poverty. Indeed, according to the World Bank, as of 2023, nearly 40pc of Pakistan’s population has fallen below the poverty line. But simply offering cash handouts through the flagship national social safety net, known as the Benazir Income Support Programme, will not do. The beneficiaries must also be provided a skills-based education so they can not only climb over the poverty line but become self-sufficient, too. The issue also goes beyond poverty and its redressal. One must not forget to question how it is that professional beggars — if they can be called that — take their begging bowls to foreign soil. If human trafficking rings are at work, they must be dealt with with the full force of the law and dismantled. Furthermore, there need to be in place proper checks for those exiting the country, all the while taking care that legitimate travellers are not harassed. Most importantly, creating opportunities for respectful employment at home must be our way forward. Let us rewrite our story; one that showcases the immense potential of our people, rather than perpetuating negative stereotypes.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2023