New Delhi: There has been a notable increase in the number of Pakistani beggars travelling to Middle Eastern countries.
Many of these individuals enter these countries under the guise of religious pilgrims and then engage in begging. This issue has become significant enough that it has drawn the attention of local authorities and led to increased scrutiny of Pakistani travellers.
The problem has become so widespread that it has been highlighted in parliamentary discussions and reports.
Of late there has been a notable rise of Pakistani beggars in Iraq. Here too, many Pakistani nationals travel to Iraq under the guise of pilgrimage but end up engaging in begging activities.
This has led to a significant number of arrests, with reports indicating that 90% of beggars arrested in Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq, are from Pakistan. This situation has raised concerns about the exploitation of visas meant for religious purposes.
Additionally, there are reports of Pakistani girls aged 18 to 25 involved in begging in Iraq, highlighting the severity of the issue.
The issue of Pakistani beggars in Iran is similar to the situation in Iraq.
This has led to significant concerns from Iranian authorities, who have reported instances of drug trafficking, human smuggling, and begging involving Pakistani nationals.
It's a complex problem that affects not only the individuals involved but also the reputation of Pakistanis abroad.
The issue of organised begging in Pakistan, particularly involving networks that arrange visas for individuals to beg abroad, is a significant concern.
Begging in Pakistan is not just a matter of individual destitution but a highly organised and competitive business. These networks often operate under the supervision or coercion of a leader or master.
These networks exploit pilgrimage visas, such as those for Umrah or Ziarat, to send individuals to countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq, where they engage in begging.
Begging has become a lucrative industry in Pakistan, generating significant revenue. Reports estimate that around 38 million beggars operate within the country, generating an astonishing $42 billion annually.
Efforts to tackle the issue domestically have met with significant challenges, including strong resistance from organised begging networks.
There are reports of FIA officials colluding with Iranian drivers to transport Pakistani beggars. This situation has caused embarrassment for the Pakistani government and has led to calls for stricter measures to prevent such activities.
The issue of Pakistani beggars is not limited to Iraq and Iran; it extends to several other countries, particularly in the Middle East. A significant number of Pakistani beggars are found in Saudi Arabia, often entering the country on Umrah visas and then engaging in begging activities.
This has led to overcrowded prisons and strained relations between the two countries. The UAE also faces issues with Pakistani beggars, who often travel under the guise of seeking employment or pilgrimage.
Similar to other Middle Eastern countries, Qatar has reported instances of Pakistani nationals involved in begging.
There are reports of organised networks that exploit vulnerable individuals by promising them jobs or better living conditions abroad, only to force them into begging once they arrive.
Some people misuse pilgrimage visas to enter countries like Iraq. Once there, they engage in begging instead of participating in religious activities. Many of these individuals are victims of human trafficking, lured by promises of better opportunities abroad but ending up in exploitative situations.
The root causes often include severe economic hardship in Pakistan, leading individuals to seek any means of survival, even if it involves begging in foreign countries.
The presence of Pakistani beggars in Iraq and Iran, and other Middle Eastern countries has significantly impacted Pakistan's reputation in these countries.
The involvement of Pakistani nationals in begging, as well as related activities like drug trafficking and human smuggling, has led to increased suspicion and distrust towards Pakistanis in Iraq and Iran.
Iraqi authorities have expressed their displeasure to the Pakistani government, highlighting the negative impact on bilateral relations.
They have even demanded guarantees from Pakistani pilgrims to ensure they return after their pilgrimage. Both Iraq and Saudi Arabia have reported that their prisons are overcrowded with Pakistani beggars, further tarnishing the image of Pakistanis abroad.
The issue of Pakistani beggars in countries like Iraq and Iran has been raised in the Pakistani Parliament.
Lawmakers have expressed serious concerns about the negative impact on Pakistan's international reputation and the exploitation of vulnerable citizens. There have been calls for stricter measures to combat human trafficking networks that exploit Pakistani nationals by promising them jobs or better living conditions abroad, only to force them into begging.
Lawmakers have suggested tightening visa regulations and ensuring that pilgrimage visas are not misused for begging activities. There have been proposals to improve economic conditions within Pakistan to reduce the need for citizens to seek opportunities abroad under such desperate circumstances.
The Pakistani government is yet to work on measures to address this issue. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including stricter visa regulations, better economic opportunities at home, and coordinated efforts to combat human trafficking.
