Punjab Home Department has proposed severe punishments targeting those who exploit children, the elderly, and women. The amendment has been sent to the Cabinet for summary approval, aiming to bring justice to the victims and dismantle the beggar mafia operating in the region.
Under the new legislation, gang leaders of the beggar mafia will face up to 10 years of imprisonment along with a hefty fine of Rs2 million to be imposed on offenders.
Failure to pay this fine will result in an extra three-year prison sentence, emphasizing the government's strict stance against forced begging.
The proposed law categorizes forced begging as a non-bailable offence, ensuring that perpetrators remain in custody and face trial without the possibility of bail. "Forced beggars do not deserve any discount," stated the Secretary of the Punjab Home Department, highlighting the zero-tolerance policy being adopted.
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.
