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Senate Proposes Amendment Bill to Combat Organized Begging
The Senate proposes a bill to criminalize organized begging, with up to 7 years in prison & Rs 1M fine. A move to curb exploitation or just punitive?
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-30
Senate Proposes Amendment Bill to Combat Organized Begging

The Ministry of Interior presented a significant amendment bill in the Senate on Wednesday aimed at curbing organized begging and preventing human trafficking linked to the practice. The bill provides a comprehensive definition of organized begging and proposes severe penalties for offenders.

Defining Organized Begging

According to the bill, organized begging encompasses a range of activities, including:

  • Begging through deception, force, or fraud
  • Soliciting alms by fortune-telling or performing tricks
  • Selling goods under pretexts
  • Forcibly knocking on car windows or cleaning them without consent
  • Entering private premises for alms
  • Displaying wounds, injuries, or disabilities to receive alms

The bill further highlights that using oneself as a display to solicit alms also falls under the category of organized begging.

Severe Penalties Proposed

The amendment bill stipulates imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine of Rs 1 million for individuals involved in organized begging, including those who recruit, shelter, or transport individuals for such activities.

Concerns Over International Reputation

The Ministry of Interior highlighted concerns raised by Pakistani diplomatic missions about citizens engaging in begging during Hajj, Umrah, pilgrimage, or personal visits. The bill acknowledges that foreign governments have urged Pakistan to take stringent measures against such practices.

Need for Legal Reform

The bill underscores the challenge of prosecuting agents and gangs involved in organized begging due to legal loopholes. It notes that begging is not currently defined as a crime under the jurisdiction of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

"Considering the sensitivity of the issue, it is necessary to declare begging a crime," the bill states.

The proposed legislation represents a critical step in addressing the exploitation inherent in organized begging and safeguarding Pakistan’s reputation abroad.
Tagged:

HumanTrafficking

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OrganizedBegging

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