Role of Panahgahs in Providing Shelter to the Homeless in Punjab: Issues and Way Forward

Abstract

Punjab is the most populated province of Pakistan with 53% of the country’s population;2 it is the second largest with respect to area. A large population of Punjab is clustered around the poverty line with the real inequality challenge coming from rural-urban income disparities. Beset by poverty, many people from rural areas continue migrating to Lahore for livelihood; most of them do not have enough funds to pay for renting a room or spending a night in a paid facility. Hence, a good number of homeless people are found sleeping on roads, under bridges, in parks, markets and stations with a concentration at Data Darbar, Minar-e-Pakistan, Chauburji, Shahi Qila and Bhatti Chowk.3 This kind of homelessness is categorized as “literally homeless” a term often used to denote the people staying in shelters for the homeless, on the streets or in similar settings