Begging has become an organised industry in Pakistan, says Khawaja Asif

Sialkot: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that begging has now turned into a well-organised profession and has become one of the largest sources of so-called “employment” in the country.

Speaking to the media in Sialkot, Khawaja Asif said that formal contractors are now operating within the begging network.

These contractors recruit children, women and fake disabled individuals and earn millions of rupees through the practice.

He stated that the same mafia is also sending beggars in large numbers to Gulf countries, which has resulted in several Gulf states becoming fed up and restricting visas for Pakistanis.

The defence minister alleged that staff from various departments at airports are complicit in this illegal activity and are financially benefiting from it.

He added that in Sialkot, many of these individuals come from South Punjab, stay in hotels and operate organised begging rings.

Khawaja Asif said that recent actions by the administration and police have reduced the scale of this shameful business, but beggars are still visible despite ongoing crackdowns.

He further claimed that many of the contractors behind these begging networks appear to be financially well-off individuals.

Whenever authorities launch operations against beggars, these contractors step in using influence and political connections.

The defence minister said this disgraceful trade provides more “employment” than any other sector in the country and cannot exist in any city without the backing of the administration and police. He added that several other serious criminal activities are linked to this business.