'Begging Is Wrong, But Do We Have Any Options?'

"We also have to earn a living. We have needs too! We have to pay electricity and gas bills, and we have to pay rent."

Members of the Khwaja Sira community have voiced their concerns over the Sindh High Court’s directive to launch an operation against beggars at traffic signals. The honurable court issued the order in response to a petition citing the inconvenience and harassment caused by "professional beggars."

Speaking to Dialogue Pakistan, Khwaja Sira persons acknowledged that begging is not a decent act, yet they are left with no other choice. They urged both authorities and society to provide them with workspaces and opportunities to earn a dignified livelihood.

Community elders explained that many Khwaja Siras earn their living by performing at wedding functions. However, as they grow older, begging becomes their only source of income which is now even at risk as the city administration has vowed to continue its crackdown on professional beggars.

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