In Herat, population of beggars surges by 30pc

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Labour and Social Affairs Department says the number of beggars has increased by 30 percent over the last two years in in western Herat province.

Currently, about 15,000 beggars are living in Herat City, the provincial capital, where their presence has led to problems for residents.

Hafiz Mirza Mohammad Mansour, director of labor and social affairs, confirmed the number of beggars had gone up by 30 percent in the province over the last couple of years.

The official reckoned that about 1,500 of the alm-seekers were elderly individuals and the rest children.

Mohammad Naeem Saber, another official of the department, said they were striving to set up a committee in agreement with the local administration to collect the beggars.

Zarmina, 38, a resident of Herat, told Pajhwok: “While walking on city streets, you will come across so many panhandlers of different ages.”

She urged the government to collect the beggars based on a proper plan before they became a real problem for society.

Rahim Yousafi, a vendor, told Pajhwok: “The beggars have created problems for me as most of the time they pilfer my things.”

Feroza, one of the mendicants, said: “I’m begging on streets because of needs and poverty.”

The woebegone woman recalled she enjoyed life living with her husband, but currently they were struggling to find even dried bread.

Basit, 10, accompanying his 12-year-old sister, urged the government to help them financially or provide them with work opportunities.

Qudus Khatibi, a sociologist, noted most of the beggars were young women and children, who ran the risk of being abused in different ways.

Khatibi stressed: “We have to eradicate the culture of begging from our society, something that will happen over time, besides alleviating poverty. Many people resort to begging due to poverty.”

sa/mud