RASC News Agency: Residents of Herat province in western Afghanistan have expressed growing concern over the rising number of beggars across all segments of society. Firooz, a resident of Herat, told RASC News Agency on Saturday, May 18, that since Afghanistani citizens returned from neighboring countries, especially Pakistan, the number of beggars has increased compared to last year.
He stated that the beggars in Herat include children, women, middle-aged men, and the elderly, all of whom resort to begging. Firooz noted that the appearance and behavior of the beggars resemble those of Pakistani citizens, which has heightened the concerns of Herat’s residents. Ghulam Farooq, another resident of Herat, told RASC News Agency that the presence of beggars in the province’s markets has become a significant challenge for the community.
He mentioned that in Herat’s Lailami Road market, the number of beggars is particularly high, and they persist until they receive money from passersby. Farooq emphasized that Taliban officials must address this issue promptly to alleviate public anxiety. He added that the current economic situation is problematic for all segments of society, and so far, Taliban officials have not taken any significant steps to address the issue.
Some beggars in Herat told RASC News Agency that while some may beg without genuine need, many are driven to it by severe economic hardships. Hafiz, one of the beggars in Herat, said that there are no job opportunities in the province, and the cost of living is rising daily.
He stated that if employment opportunities were provided, no young person would resort to begging to cover their daily expenses. Hafiz added that if the Taliban supported beggars and created job opportunities, the number of beggars in Herat would decrease.
Meanwhile, the Taliban have stated that they are collecting beggars and will provide employment for them, but reports indicate that no effective measures have been taken so far.
