Pakistan’s Begging Shame: Thousands deported for begging abroad, minister confirms it’s a $40 bn industry

Pakistan's interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, has disclosed in the national assembly that 5,402 Pakistani citizens have been deported from various countries for engaging in begging activities. This revelation highlights a concerning trend of organized networks exploiting vulnerable individuals to solicit money abroad. The deportations have raised questions about the socio-economic conditions in Pakistan that drive its citizens to such desperate measures. In his address, Minister Naqvi further revealed that the begging industry involving Pakistani nationals abroad is estimated to be worth a staggering $40 billion. This figure underscores the scale of the issue, suggesting that begging has become an illicit enterprise with significant global reach. The minister emphasized the need for strategic interventions to dismantle these networks and provide alternative livelihoods to those affected. The government is now facing mounting pressure to address the root causes of this phenomenon, which include poverty and lack of employment opportunities. Efforts are being directed towards enhancing social welfare programs and creating job opportunities to deter citizens from resorting to begging. The international community is also being urged to collaborate with Pakistan to curb this practice, which tarnishes the country's reputation and exploits its most vulnerable populations.

— Authored by Next24 Live