The Ministry of Interior has introduced an amendment bill in the Senate aimed at curbing incidents of organized begging abroad. The bill seeks to define organized begging and bring the practice under the scope of anti-human trafficking laws. This move comes in response to growing concerns over Pakistani citizens being involved in begging activities overseas, which has tarnished the country’s international image.
According to the bill, organized begging includes obtaining charity through fraud, coercion, deception, or enticement. It also encompasses soliciting donations in public places, fortune-telling, or performing tricks to collect alms. Additionally, knocking on car windows, forcibly cleaning car windshields, or wandering without employment to beg for money are also classified as organized begging.
The proposed legislation stipulates severe penalties for those involved in organized begging, including recruitment, sheltering, or facilitating the movement of beggars. Offenders could face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to one million rupees. The bill highlights that Pakistani diplomatic missions have identified numerous cases of citizens begging abroad, prompting several countries to demand stricter action against such individuals.
Currently, begging is not classified as a crime under existing laws, allowing agents and gangs involved in the practice to evade legal consequences. Recognizing the sensitivity of the issue, the Ministry of Interior has proposed criminalizing begging to effectively address the problem.
The bill has been introduced amid reports of Pakistani citizens being caught begging during Hajj, Umrah, or personal trips abroad. These incidents have significantly impacted Pakistan’s global reputation, prompting the government to take decisive action. The amendment also targets individuals who exploit injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to solicit alms, as well as those who allow themselves to be displayed to facilitate begging.
The bill, now under consideration in the Senate, is expected to be passed soon. If approved, it will enable authorities to take stringent measures against those involved in organized begging abroad, helping to restore Pakistan’s international standing and curb the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
This legislative effort underscores the government’s commitment to addressing a pressing issue that has long-term implications for the country’s image and the welfare of its citizens.
