THE begging industry has flourished, becoming a lucrative business that has spread to all major cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar and Islamabad. These criminals get hold of vulnerable individuals, including the poor, the disabled and the young, from underpri-vileged areas and force them into begging. Most or all of their earnings go to the handlers. From being a means for the poor to survive, beggary has now evolved into a business that is controlled by a powerful mafia.

While walking down a street recently, I noticed a black car with tinted windows stopping to drop off children at various locations. Shortly after, I observed these children starting to beg. I was shocked to witness this. It was evident that the driver was part of an organised begging network, likely exploiting and grooming these children for begging. This sad reality highlights a grim aspect of our society, where distinguishing between the truly needy and those manipulated by organised crime has become increasingly difficult.

The government should take strict action against the begging industry. Additionally, there should be a social boycott of these professional beggars to discourage this exploitative practice.

Salah Ud Din Kakar
Quetta

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2025