Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has highlighted that Gulf countries’ visa restrictions for Pakistanis are connected to organised begging networks operating domestically. He revealed that these criminal groups recruit women, children, and people posing as disabled to generate significant profits and even send them abroad.
Asif shared a video of social worker Zafar Abbas interviewing a child in Karachi, who admitted earning between Rs10,000 and Rs12,000 weekly with his siblings, recently purchasing a house through proceeds from begging. The revelation underscores the scale and commercialisation of the trade.
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The minister stated that organised contractors run these networks professionally, operating from South Punjab and cities like Sialkot, often enjoying financial comfort. During police crackdowns, contractors approach authorities as recommenders to protect beggars and sustain their operations.
Asif further alleged that officials at airports and various government departments facilitate illegal departures, profiting from the business. He warned that this highly organised racket provides what he termed the “largest employment” in the country while evading law enforcement.
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Moreover, he said several immoral and criminal activities are linked to organised begging, making it a serious social and governance challenge. Despite police action in key cities, the trade continues with administrative and local support, complicating eradication efforts.
While media reports suggested that the UAE considered a visa ban on Pakistanis due to the issue, the Consulate General in Karachi denied these claims, terming them “fake news.” Earlier, Saudi Arabia reportedly deported 56,000 Pakistanis involved in organised begging, showing the regional impact of these networks.