In a stark warning to Pakistan’s beleaguered defense minister, Khawaja Asif has accused begging in the country of being an organized crime that exploits vulnerable communities. On social media platform X, he highlighted how children, women, and disabled individuals are being used as pawns for a lucrative enterprise with a global reach.
As if the domestic implications weren’t dire enough, Asif revealed that this network is so powerful it has even seen countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar suspend Pakistani visas. This alarming revelation prompted immediate action from officials across Pakistan to crack down on what they see as a widespread problem.
In Sialkot, where most beggars originate from the southern Punjab region, police are actively reducing the scale of this issue. Yet, the minister’s comments point out that despite these efforts, enforcement remains insufficient given the covert nature of many operations and the tacit complicity of local authorities.
While acknowledging some progress, Asif blamed entrenched corruption for exacerbating recent flooding incidents. He accused officials of enabling a system where affluent patrons provide protection to beggars, ensuring this business thrives regardless of their activities.
In contrast, he highlighted that while police presence is still evident in many areas, they are not effectively curbing the flow of beggars and money that continues to flow into the system through various government channels. Asif’s critique underscores a persistent failure within Pakistan’s governance structures to address this complex issue comprehensively.
As the spotlight intensifies on these vulnerabilities, questions abound regarding how to dismantle such systemic corruption and ensure genuine assistance to those genuinely in need without further entrenching exploitative practices.