THE menace of begging has significantly affected the social and economic fabric of society over time. Organised begging has emerged as a serious problem, with groups that are controlled by mafia networks exploiting vulnerable individuals, including children, women and elderly persons. These networks operate system-atically across the country’s urban centres, turning begging into a profitable and a well-coordinated ‘business’.

Such organised groups are commonly seen at traffic intersections, markets and mosques, where public movement is high. In recent years, there has been a notice-able increase in the number of these professional beggars and transgender people engaged in begging at traffic signals. They often approach vehicles, knock the window, and create a rather uncomfortable situation for commuters when their demands are not met.

Ahead of Ramazan every year, hundreds of beggars from other parts of the country arrive in Karachi through organised networks, and manage to earn a subs-tantial amount of money within a short period. As a result, begging becomes a lucrative profession rather than reflection of genuine need.

Although laws exist to curb this menace, their enforcement in society has remained a major challenge. The relevant authorities often take half-hearted measures, allowing the networks to continue operating with impunity. Eliminating the beggar mafia requires a comprehensive and determined approach that addresses the root causes of the issue. Existing laws, which are relatively flexible, must be amended to introduce much stricter penalties. Their effective enforcement must also be ensured.

Shams Jafrani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2026