Beggars are very common in Pakistan. They are found
in almost every village, town, and city. The main centers of their activity are
the places of pilgrimage and worship. They squat on the banks of the rivers, in
front of mosques and other places of hectic activity. They roam from street to
street, from one locality to another and beg for alms food and money. They
accept whatever is given to them. Sometime they pursue the people so doggedly
that people are fed up with them.
Some people give alms to beggars in order to ward
off the nuisance and not out of charity. Some beggars are so hale and hearty,
so young and healthy that they do not deserve charity at all. The deserving
cases are few those who are crippled or lame deaf or dumb, blind or
handicapped. They are incapacitated and cannot earn their living. Some are in
such a pathetic plight that they evoke pity and compassion. Such crippled
beggars are well-versed in the art of singing religious songs. Some have really
very melodious voice. Their sweet voice attracts the passers. Such beggars are
found in trains and buses and they enthrall the travellers by their religious
and devotional songs and poems.
Sometimes one comes across a deaf or dumb beggar,
lifting a blind or lame beggar on his back and begging for alms. It is also usual
to see a leper placed, in a low cart and carried from place to place. These beggars
know human psychology and work according to that.
But most of the beggars live on the generosity of
women. These beggars never miss religious gatherings and other festivals. Some
wear only a loin cloth. Others besmear themselves with ashes; have long hair
and pair of tongs. Some meditate under a tree. But many are cheats and
hypocrites. These beggars deceive the innocent omen and at times rob them.
The number of beggars in Pakistan is rising. These
beggars live on the earnings of others. It is really a curse that even able-
bodied citizen of Pakistan resort. They indulge in various vices like drinking,
smoking, and gambling. Their bodies are diseased. They carry with them
infection and roam from place to place
and thus are responsible to a large extent for spreading epidemics.
Begging should he banned in Pakistan by law. Legislation
must be enacted to put an end to this profession. However, deserving cases
should be helped and others should be given gainful employment. Street begging
is really a great problem but now-a-days people are not moved by any religious
consideration, so beggars are not treated as they hope to be treated.