Keywords
- Donors remain concerned about safety, exploitation and effectiveness of such charity
- 18pc say they give money almost every time they encounter someone begging
- 71pc of respondents said they had given money to a beggar within the past week
ISLAMABAD: Despite facing economic hardship and rising inflation, Pakistanis give an estimated Rs136 billion to beggars each year, according to a Gallup survey.
But what’s behind this massive act of everyday giving? generosity? guilt? fear?
Gallup Pakistan’s latest survey explores how people across the country experience, respond to, and perceive begging—and the results are revealing.
The survey revealed that a significant majority of Pakistanis feel pressured or obligated to give money to beggars — even as concerns about safety, exploitation, and the effectiveness of such charity loom large.
Social or emotional pressure
According to the survey, nearly two-thirds (63pc) of Pakistanis admit feeling social or emotional pressure when approached by beggars. While 18pc say they give money almost every time they encounter someone begging, a majority (54pc) do so occasionally.
Pakistanis give an estimated Rs. 136 billion to beggars each year.
But what’s behind this massive act of everyday giving? Generosity? Guilt? Fear?
Gallup Pakistan’s latest survey explores how people across the country experience, respond to, and perceive begging—and the results… pic.twitter.com/9fCFYhoAL6
— Gallup Pakistan (@GallupPak) April 21, 2025
Notably, 71pc of respondents said they had given money to a beggar within the past week.
The average amount given stands at Rs20 per interaction. But when scaled across the population, this translates into a staggering Rs3.78 billion flowing annually into the hands of beggars.
Yet, these acts of generosity are tinged with scepticism and concern.
Fears of theft, scams
Around 40pc of Pakistanis say they worry about their safety when giving money to beggars, citing fears of theft, scams, or aggressive behaviour.
Still, nearly half (49pc) remain unconcerned.
Equal proportions — 45pc each — believe that beggars are either genuinely needy or not. A substantial 71pc believe that inflation has pushed many into begging, indicating a link between rising economic pressures and visible poverty.
Around 84pc of Pakistanis believe that beggars’ tactics have become increasingly aggressive and manipulative.
Two-thirds (66pc) also suspect that organised networks are exploiting beggars, coercing them into the trade and reaping the profits.
