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Khawaja Asif: 22 Million Beggars Damaging Pakistan’s Global Image
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif says 22 million beggars in Pakistan earn Rs. 82 billion monthly—many beg abroad, damaging Pakistan’s international reputation and visa credibility.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-19
Khawaja Asif: 22 Million Beggars Damaging Pakistan’s Global Image

Addressing a gathering of industrialists in Sialkot, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif made a startling revelation, blaming Pakistan’s growing beggar population as a key reason behind increasing visa restrictions on Pakistanis abroad.

He claimed that there are over 22 million beggars in Pakistan, collectively earning around Rs. 82 billion per month, and many of them travel overseas on visit visas, damaging Pakistan’s image globally.

“One of the biggest obstacles we face in getting international visas today is the growing number of beggars from Pakistan. Many go abroad specifically to beg,” said Khawaja Asif.

He shared a personal anecdote from London, where a friend told him about a girl who returned home shortly after getting married. When asked why she came back despite the lavish house and cars, the girl said:

“Everyone in that house dresses up in the morning and goes out to beg.”

The defense minister said that Pakistani women form a majority of beggars in the UAE, who return home for Muharram and then go back abroad, “as if on summer vacation.”

According to Khawaja Asif, around 6,000 Pakistanis are currently begging in Saudi Arabia on visit visas, making it difficult for others to get entry due to the negative reputation.

He revealed that while action has been taken twice against beggars in Sialkot, the issue remains unresolved.

“This is not just a social issue. It’s becoming a national embarrassment and a serious foreign policy challenge. Other countries won’t offer us facilities if our citizens misuse them.”

He urged for strict policy measures and nationwide awareness to address this trend, stressing that Pakistan needs to restore its dignity and credibility at the international level.
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Pakistan

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VisaBan

BeggarsAbroad

PakistanReputation
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