Karachi – According to a recent study by a local non-governmental group, the beggar mafia in Karachi is reportedly making a staggering PKR 32.2 billion per year from the city’s streets alone.
The investigation showed that the beggar mafia in Karachi, which is made up of organised gangs and individuals, exploits weak people by making them beg on the streets, including women, children, and people with disabilities. To force their victims into begging, they employ a variety of strategies, including kidnapping, drug addiction, and physical assault.
Investigation made clear that the beggar mafia is active across the city, particularly at markets, traffic lights, and busy commercial districts. They take the money the beggars make and give them the bare essentials, such food and shelter.
Beggar mafia has a large network and works with law enforcement organizations’ complicity. They pay officials with their revenues in order to conceal their illicit actions.
The Organization has urged the government to act swiftly against the beggar mafia and enact legislation to safeguard society’s most vulnerable groups. Also, they have advocated for public awareness initiatives to persuade people against giving alms to street beggars.
Money made by the beggar mafia hurts not only the members personally but also the economy and society as large. It is imperative that the government act decisively to eliminate this threat from our society.
