he pressing problem of child beggary in Sindh requires immediate attention. Beggary has become a serious concern, posing socioeconomic challenges and exposing massive inequalities.

The existence of vulnerable children toiling away in perilous work environments and the pervasive presence of beggars on the streets are poignant reminders of the deep-rooted problems plaguing our society.

In most districts of Sindh, including Umerkot, it is frightening to see children between the ages of 4 and 15 on the streets, forced into begging in harsh and challenging environments. In Sindh, beggary is fuelled by several factors, including poverty, social inequality, lack of access to education and shifting parental practices.

Some families facing economic hardship push their children into beggary to survive. Besides there are organised criminal networks exploiting children, using them as tools to generate income through begging (UNICEF, 2021).

Many children from Umerkot, Sindh, resort to abusive language while begging, employing various tools and tactics to ask for money. With their ‘innocent’ pleas, they manipulate people into giving them some money.

The consequences of child beggary are far-reaching and detrimental. Not only are these children deprived of their basic rights, such as education and healthcare, they are also subject to physical and emotional abuse. The hazardous environments in which they find themselves pose serious risks to their well-being and development (HRCP, 2019).

In most cases, these children learn these practices from their parents, who have been engaged in beggary for many years. Beggary is their primary source of income. Even pregnant women and those carrying very young babies are seen begging in the streets. Family planning is not appreciated. Unplanned pregnancies result in more children who in many cases end up begging to feed their families.

The consequences of child begging are far-reaching and detrimental. Not only are these children deprived of their basic rights, such as education and healthcare, they are also subjected to physical and emotional abuse. The hazardous environments in which they find themselves pose serious risks to their well-being and development (HRCP, 2019).

All children who engage in begging have severe health issues. They are also vulnerable to sexual and physical violence, including instances of child abuse, rape and abduction that frequently go unnoticed and unreported.

In response to the pressing challenge, United Nations member countries have set forth 17 sustainable development goals. Among those, the fourth goal is quality education. It is undeniable that quality education is not only a fundamental human right but also a constitutional entitlement.

Regrettably, in Pakistan, education remains inaccessible for countless children, especially those on the streets and forced into beggary.

In many areas of Sindh, children, including girls, are forced to beg daily at various locations near hotels, petrol pumps, shops and main intersections in each district. This poses a significant threat to the future of these children. They are deprived of opportunities for guidance, support and care, leaving them stranded.

Children forced to beg face all kinds of hardships. Mehtab and Guria brave the scorching heat as they arrive at the bustling vegetable market. Determined to find any leftover produce and make a buck, tugging at the sleeves of shoppers, they try to find something to take home so that their family can eat it for dinner. The two take great pride in helping their family. Having grown fond of bhindi (okra), they ask vendors to give them some of it if they cannot spare money.

The Umerkot vegetables market is a beggars’ hub even during the summer heat. Many children flock to the market in the afternoon hours to collect the leftover produce. However, their efforts are not without challenges. Occasionally, they encounter obstacles raised by vendors and others. Accidents such as falls and dehydration pose additional risks for these children.

Despite these difficulties, the child beggars continue to frequent the vegetable market looking for fresh produce. Children like Mehtab and Guria, undeterred by the harsh temperatures, persevere to fill their bags with the best vegetables available.

The district administration should develop a comprehensive roadmap to deal with the increasing number of beggars in Sindh. First of all, data needs to be collected to estimate the number of those involved in beggary. Once that is done, the district administration should write to higher authorities to initiate proper actions.

The district administration should work closely with the police to eradicate this practice and break the cycle of child begging. In its place, alternative employment opportunities should be provided to these families.

Civil society organisations can also play a significant role in this regard by supporting these children and building their capacities and skills. Additionally, philanthropists should step forward and support the district administration in implementing these initiatives. Collaborative efforts by the district administration, the provincial government, the civil society organisations and individuals can help reduce begging and create a brighter future for the vulnerable children.

The writer is based in Umerkot. He has over 13 years of experience in the development sector. He can be reached at shewaram@live.com