Child Beggary in Gilgit-Baltistan: Immediate Actions Required at Government and NGO Level

Child Beggary In Gilgit-Baltistan. Image credit: Canva

By Israruddin Israr

The problem of child beggary in Gilgit city is steadily increasing. In the evening, a substantial number of child beggars can be observed pursuing pedestrians and vehicles along the route from Jutial bus stand to Heli Chowk.

Repeated written appeals have been made to the government, urging it to address this pressing issue. However, it sounds like child begging is not currently of the government’s priority or within the purview of relevant departments. Given this situation, non-governmental charity organizations operating in Gilgit city are requested to come together to formulate an action plan for its redressal.

The number of children begging in Gilgit city is not very high. To find a sustainable solution to this issue, it is essential to gather these children and engage in conversations with their parents. Among these begging children, some are begging due to parental neglect while others have become habitual beggars. A few are part of organized networks, while others are forced to beg out of due to poverty, inflation, or domestic problems.

The increasing number of child beggars in Gilgit city can be a distressful thing for tourists adversely affecting tourism in the future.

Israruddin Israr

It is imperative to take the data of each child and establish communication with their parents. If there is a specific problem leading to beggary, it should be addressed. It should be sorted out whether these children beg as part of an organized network or due to parental inattention. In cases where parents are involved in forcing their children to beg, appropriate measures should be taken. They should be supported and forced to enroll their children in schools. Similarly, the schools should be instructed to ensure that no child does not leave the school premises during school hours.

Children involved in beggary within Gilgit city come from newly established slums located on the outskirts of the city. These slum areas do not have access to family planning guidance, education, healthcare, and other essential facilities. It is important to plan action to address the basic needs of the people residing in these slum areas.

By implementing such measures as mentioned above, the government can work towards a sustainable solution to child beggary in Gilgit city. Failing to do so may expose these children to the risk of sexual, psychological, and physical abuse, potentially leading them to be used by criminal networks.

If the government remains unmoved to address the issue of child beggary, NGOs should step in to actively engage in addressing the problem.

Israruddin Israr

Moreover, Gilgit-Baltistan is a prominent tourist destination attracting millions of tourists both from the country and the world annually. The presence of child beggars in the region becoming a distressing thing for tourists which can also adversely affect tourism in the future. Therefore, all government departments must come together to address the issue.

If the government remains unmoved to address the issue of child beggary in Gilgit-Baltistan, non-governmental welfare organizations should step in to actively engage in addressing the problem. With their proactive approach, there is every possibility that they can also sensitize the government to recognize its responsibility and take necessary action.

The writer is a Gilgit-based human rights activist and columnist. Currently, he is associated with HRCP as regional coordinator Gilgit-Baltitsan. He can be reached at israrhrcpglt@gmail.com

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