By The problem of organized groups of beggars, which used to be a major issue in Pakistan’s streets and public spaces, has now become a growing concern in other countries like Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
A recent report presented to senators revealed that a significant number, around 90%, of professional beggars arrested in Middle Eastern countries are of Pakistani origin. These individuals are also disproportionately involved in minor crimes such as pickpocketing around the revered Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia.
During a heated meeting of the Standing Committee of Overseas Pakistanis led by Senator Manzoor Kakar, the Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, Zulfikar Haider, expressed his frustration and raised alarm about the lack of action taken to address this escalating issue. Haider shared concerning details about the problem, highlighting its negative impact on the reputation of overseas Pakistanis.
Haider explained that many beggars are leaving Pakistan in large groups, often travelling by boat, and then exploiting Umrah and visit visas to beg from pilgrims in foreign countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and Iraq. He expressed deep concern that Pakistani beggars are now filling up the prisons in these countries, further tarnishing the image of Pakistanis abroad.
One of the most troubling aspects of this situation is the erosion of trust in overseas Pakistanis. Haider pointed out that Pakistanis are increasingly viewed with suspicion abroad, leading to more deportations. He emphasized that Iraq and Saudi Arabia are continuously complaining about Pakistan sending criminals to their countries, and this has become a serious issue of human trafficking.
During the same meeting, Senator Rana Mehmoodul Hassan raised another issue – the lack of representation of skilled Pakistani workers abroad. Hassan compared Pakistan’s performance in sending skilled professionals to countries like Japan with the contributions of neighbouring nations like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Pakistan has sent only a small number, around 200 individuals, to Japan in contrast to the significant contributions of other countries.
Hassan stressed the urgent need for Pakistan to increase its efforts in sending skilled labour abroad, especially since Saudi Arabia now requires not just labourers but highly skilled professionals. He urged that it’s time to focus on sending skilled workers abroad, citing the availability of around 50,000 unemployed engineers in Pakistan as a valuable resource to tap into.
