Over 38 Million Beggars in Pakistan Collect Rs. 32 Billion Daily, Report Reveals

A recent report reveals that Pakistan is home to over 38 million beggars, a staggering figure in a country with a population of more than 240 million people. These beggars collectively gather approximately Rs. 32 billion every day, highlighting the scale of the informal economy driven by begging in the country.

The report not only focuses on the financial aspect but also sheds light on the expanding scope of begging, noting that some beggars have established extensive networks, even reaching beyond Pakistan’s borders into foreign countries. These networks have made it more difficult to control or regulate the practice of begging, which has become an entrenched part of the country’s socio-economic landscape.

Demographics of Beggars in Pakistan

The demographic breakdown of beggars in Pakistan is diverse. Among the 38 million beggars:

• 12 percent are men
• 55 percent are women
• 27 percent are children
• 6 percent are white-collar workers

The significant presence of women and children among beggars points to a societal issue where vulnerable groups often lack access to economic opportunities. The white-collar individuals involved in begging are particularly noteworthy, as they highlight the economic and social mobility challenges faced by some professionals, including those who have been displaced due to lack of employment or other social factors.

Geographical Distribution of Beggars

The report also reveals a regional disparity in the distribution of beggars across the country. 50 percent of beggars reside in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and commercial hub. The economic disparity between Karachi and other cities plays a significant role in this concentration, as people from rural areas flock to urban centers in search of work but often end up resorting to begging due to limited employment opportunities. 16 percent of beggars are found in Lahore, while 7 percent are in Islamabad, the capital city. The remainder are spread across other cities, with rural areas also witnessing a growing number of beggars.

Daily Earnings and Economic Impact

In terms of daily earnings, the situation varies by city. Beggars in Karachi tend to collect the most, averaging about Rs. 2,000 per day, likely due to the high volume of people and tourists in the city’s busy areas. In Lahore, the average daily collection is around Rs. 1,400, while Islamabad sees a lower daily average of Rs. 950. Nationally, the average income per beggar amounts to Rs. 850 per day.

This means that beggars across the country collectively take in Rs. 32 billion each day. Over the course of a year, this amounts to Rs. 117 trillion, or about $42 billion USD, which is a significant sum—equivalent to the annual GDP of several smaller economies. The magnitude of this informal economy raises concerns about the impact of begging on the country’s overall economic health and social structure.

The Socio-Economic Roots of Begging in Pakistan

Begging is a complex issue with deep socio-economic roots. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of education are some of the major factors driving individuals to beg as a means of survival. Many people, especially women and children, often resort to begging when they lack access to formal employment or educational opportunities, and they face systemic barriers that prevent them from improving their living conditions.

Moreover, the absence of a comprehensive social safety net or welfare programs in Pakistan exacerbates the situation. While there are some governmental and non-governmental initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation, they have not been able to sufficiently address the growing problem of begging in urban areas.

Another critical aspect contributing to this issue is the presence of organized begging syndicates. Many beggars are part of larger networks that operate in high-traffic areas or tourist spots, where they can collect more money. These syndicates are often involved in exploiting children and vulnerable individuals, using them as tools to generate income for their networks. The lack of regulation and oversight allows these operations to thrive, making it harder for authorities to clamp down on the practice.

Social Implications and Policy Challenges

The widespread nature of begging in Pakistan also raises significant social and moral concerns. Begging has become so ingrained in certain parts of the country that it is often viewed as a normal part of urban life. People who give alms to beggars may unintentionally be reinforcing a system that perpetuates dependency rather than addressing the root causes of poverty. Social workers and policymakers have pointed out that while charity is important, it may not always be the most effective solution for long-term change.

Pakistan’s policymakers face the challenge of addressing the issue without stigmatizing those who are caught in a cycle of poverty. There are calls for more robust welfare programs, better job training, and education systems to provide people with the tools they need to escape begging and poverty.

Moving Forward: Addressing the Root Causes

To address the growing issue of begging, Pakistan must look beyond temporary measures and focus on structural changes that tackle the root causes of poverty. This includes increasing access to quality education, creating job opportunities, particularly for women and youth, and developing social safety nets that provide financial security to those in need. Additionally, better enforcement of laws and regulations to combat organized begging networks is essential to curbing this issue.

In conclusion, while begging in Pakistan may appear to be a result of individual need, it is part of a broader socio-economic issue that requires a comprehensive approach to resolve. The daily collection of Rs. 32 billion underscores the scale of the informal economy in Pakistan, and with appropriate interventions, it is possible to address both the immediate needs of beggars and the structural issues that contribute to this growing phenomenon.