WITH Eid around the corner, there is a deluge of beggars who have arrived in Karachi from far and wide. This is an annual ritual the beggars follow with great fervour, zeal and enthusiasm. The common perception of beggars as helpless people struggling for survival is far from reality. Reports suggest that professional beggars earn more than an average middle-class worker. It goes without saying that beggars are among the wealthy people who do not pay taxes.

The beggar mafia is an organised network that runs a multimillion-rupee commercial empire. It strategically places individuals on busy spots to maximise earnings. The mafia targets roads with the most potholes, as slow-moving traffic increases their chances of receiving money.

One of the most horrifying aspects of this network is the involvement of children. Many beggars are seen holding unconscious infants, creating a scene of desperation. However, investigations reveal that these children are often drugged to keep them sedated throughout the day, as can be seen in the accompanying image. Also, individuals, dressed in seemingly respec- table attire, pretend to be in distress, convincing the passers-by of their clean background and genuine hardship.

When beggars fail to receive cash through emotional appeals, they resort to other tactics, such as selling cheap items like pens, knowing that most people will choose to give them money rather than buying the item. This manipulation plays a crucial role in maintaining a steady flow of income for these scammers. The beggar mafia takes advantage of people’s kindness while diverting funds away from those who truly need help. Wealthy individuals and criminal groups invest in the system, assigning territories to beggars and ensuring that earnings reach the bosses.

The government must take serious action against beggars and arrest those involved in human trafficking and forced begging. It should establish shelters and provide vocational training to those who are genuinely in need. Moreover, people must be educated about the reality of this business and encouraged to donate to genuine organisations.

If we wish to help the underprivileged, we must focus on providing education, skills and job opportunities rather than giving money to them. Only by doing so can we break the cycle of professional begging and create a more just and fair society.

Muhammad Faizan Ali
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2025