IT all began in Nathiagali amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature. In the middle of a heavenly feast of local delicacies, I was asked a rather strange question by my astute mother, ever the observer of life’s curiosities. It was more of an observation than a question, actually. “Why does Pakistan’s south, with its cities like Lahore, Karachi and even Islamabad, teem with legions of beggars, while the enchanting north remains untouched by the plague of beggary?” I had no answer back then, and I don’t have one today. But the more I think about it, the more apt I find the observation to be. Who can deny what happens to be a reality.

The disparity of the begging trend is as absurd as it is baffling. It is ludicrous enough to attract our attention. The presence of beggars on city roads and streets is seriously irritating. However, in the north — Galiyat and beyond — there is not a single beggar to be found.

Could it be that the hilly air possesses a mystical power that repels the beggars, keeping them away from the north? Maybe, the hills have whispered secrets of self-reliance and determination to those who dare to venture into their domain. Thus, the beggars, inspired by the majestic peaks, trade their begging bowls for tools of labour and embark on a journey of resilience and hard work.

As you venture through the narrow and bustling streets, you come across young children engaged in their daily activities, working diligently to create beautiful headbands adorned with local wildflowers to sell. Alongside the flower-making activity, the children also sell the traditional gajrey, and local sweets, candies and fruits to earn and support their families rather than begging.

Small chai dhabas are also scattered throughout the area. These humble establishments, adorned with traditional wooden decor and colourful fabrics work as gathering spots for the locals and the visitors alike even though they offer nothing but plastic chairs in the name of seating arrangement. This is a testament to the spirit of the local community, where hard work, creativity and a sense of togetherness are woven into the fabric of everyday life rather than begging.

However, let us not overlook the practical side of this equation. With its sprawling cities and economic disparities, the south becomes a playground for the beggars. Limited job opportunities and inadequate social support systems often push individuals to the brink of begging, their empty cups rattling amidst the urban chaos.

To rectify this imbalance, we must take bold measures. Let us unleash a wave of poverty-alleviating initiatives, providing economic opportunities to those who seek a life beyond the art and craft of begging. Education and vocational training shall be our weapons of choice, ensuring that no beggar is left without a skill.

We can embark on a journey towards a beggar-free utopia by rehabilitating our beggarly brethren, and watching their reintegration into society. And, as good citizens, it is our duty to refrain from offering our hard-earned money to the tenacious beggars.

Instead, we should direct our generosity towards reputable charities and organisations that work towards combating poverty and providing sustainable solutions.

As we ponder over the mysteries of the north and the south, let us strive to create a society where opportunities flourish for all; where all the begging bowls are replaced by tools of progress and empowerment.

Aymen Adnan
Lahore

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2023