Federal Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that begging has become a profession in Pakistan, with organized networks and contractors hiring people, including children, women, and fake disabled individuals, to collect money. He further revealed that mafia groups are sending thousands of beggars to Gulf countries, where they are generating millions of rupees.
Speaking on Geo News’ program “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath,” Khawaja Asif said that the airport staff from various departments are involved in this lucrative business, and people from South Punjab are being brought to Ceilacott to live in hotels and beg. He also mentioned that despite recent operations by the administration and police, the beggars’ mafia still operates, with contractors from Ceilacott appearing as mediators.
The defense minister stated that the beggars’ mafia is providing employment to the largest number of people in the country. He also revealed that the mafia is operating in different parts of the country and is being run by influential people.
In another development, the Ministry of Wildlife in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced the schedule for the hunting of aquatic birds. Opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai stated that the country’s dethsrgadi started when international groups supported Russia in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the Judicial Magistrate in Karachi’s South Court made significant progress in the investigation into the Gil Plaza incident. PTI Chairman Imran Khan denied the reports of containers being prepared for Islamabad. In a separate incident, a lawyer argued that Ali Mma Khan was not being given a fair hearing in the ATC Rawalpindi.
The international cricket community is focused on the upcoming World Cup, with the tournament’s schedule being released. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented new regulations to prevent bowlers from using banned practices. In a related development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have agreed to play the World Cup matches in 2026.
In other news, the Multan team’s auction has been scheduled, with a base price of Rs. 182 crores. The PCB has announced that five bidders will participate in the auction.
