We see countless children sauntering in the streets, everyday in Pakistan. They make ends meet usually by selling flowers, clothes, tissues, or by cleaning windshields. Some even survive on begging. The number of street children is increasing alarmingly in Pakistan due to the sheer negligence of the authorities. According to the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), there are 1.2 million children on the streets of Pakistans major cities and urban centres, constituting the countrys largest and most ostracised social group. The reasons for the increase in the number of street children include a familys financial burden, abusive environment at home, punishment at school, etc. Children on the streets are young, poor, illiterate and defenceless children and are exposed to all kinds of violence and are easy prey for all types of abusers. The incidents of street crimes are increasing with alarming frequency. What recent reports from local NGOs highlight is that most street children are engaged in this activity, as they are neither educated nor skilled to earn their living. The government and the concerned authorities should take serious measures for the welfare and bright future of these children. This could also be the only solution for curtailing street crimes. YUMNA ANSARI, Karachi, November 8.