BEGGING AND BEGGARS

Pakistani authorities have lived for some time now with the shame that some of its more unscrupulous nationals-

Are involved in ''begging rackets'' abroad, most notably Saudi Arabia.

To the interior minster's full credit the Federal Investigation Agency has been moved against Pakistani beggars who are suspected to be a part of large rings operated in several countries.

The task of uncovering the beggars and stopping them from travelling abroad is a challenging one and it will require dexterous handling since it involves the cooperation of foreign governments.

But the job has to be done well if Pakistan and other South Asian countries want to rebuild the tarnished image in countries where such begging rings operate.

Begging is not an uncommon sight on the outskirts of certain Gulf cities and sadly many South Asians are part of it.

Not all members engaged in the racket abroad are habitual beggars. Many of them dream of landing a job in oil-rich Gulf States and human smugglers are too happy to promise them the same.