BEGGARY is ever considered a social evil and a curse for society. Street beggars are a common sight in all our towns and cities, outside mosques and religious gatherings and any and every place of rush.

One obvious reason for this evil is illiteracy, poverty and unemployment. The pervasiveness of this social ill has also affected the law and order situation. Kids are kidnapped and sold to be trained for begging.

The kidnappers, sellers and the criminals who run such mafias should be given exemplary punishment. It is our moral duty to help the weak, the hungry and the suffering people.

But by dispensing alms as charity to these beggars, we do not help them. We should help to educate and rehabilitate them. Some beggars are so young, hale and hearty that they do not deserve charity at all. However, deserving cases should be helped.

Arhama Arif Sheikh

Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2017