LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has proposed heavy consequences for people who exploit children, the elderly, and women on forced begging.
The amendment has been referred to the Cabinet for speedy approval, to bring justice to the victims and dismantle the beggar mafia in the region.
According to the new legislation, gang leaders of the beggar mafia will face up to 10 years in prison and a hefty Rs2 million fine.
Failure to pay the punishment will result in an additional three-year prison sentence, highlighting the government’s stern position against forced begging.
The proposed law classifies forced begging as a non-bailable offense, ensuring that perpetrators are held in detention and face trial without the option of bail. “Forced beggars do not deserve any discount,” remarked the Secretary of the Punjab Home Department, emphasizing the zero-tolerance policy being implemented.
There was no specific legal framework to punish the leaders of these gangs.
Punjab Home Department secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal acknowledged the gap and expressed confidence that the new measures would significantly curb the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
