As Pakistan observes Eid, reports indicate a surge in the presence of professional beggars across various bustling locations in the country's financial hub.
Amidst an ongoing economic crisis marked by soaring inflation and escalating prices of essentials like fuel and food, these beggars are visible at traffic intersections, mosques, shopping centres, and markets.
According to media sources, an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 professional beggars migrate to the city during Ramadan to capitalize on the festive season.
Additional Inspector General (AIG) Karachi, Imran Yaqoob Minhas, highlighted that Karachi is perceived as a lucrative market by both beggars and criminals, with the latter travelling from different regions such as interior Sindh and Balochistan.
Minhas emphasized the necessity for enhanced surveillance measures, advocating for the installation of more cameras to aid in tracking and apprehending criminals within the provincial capital.
This issue gained attention a few months back when numerous Pakistani individuals disguised as pilgrims were intercepted and detained while attempting to board flights bound for Saudi Arabia. They were apprehended for intending to engage in begging activities upon reaching the Gulf Kingdom.
Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis Zeeshan Khanzada revealed that many Pakistani beggars exploit Umrah visas to travel to Saudi Arabia under the pretext of religious pilgrimage, subsequently engaging in begging practices. Notably, a significant portion of pickpockets apprehended within the grand mosque of Mecca are of Pakistani origin.
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