LHC turns down plea seeking dismissal of case of begging in Saudi Arabia
Pakistan
The FIA Multan filed a case of human trafficking against the accused
LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) – The Lahore High Court on Friday dismissed citizens’ petition for quashing a case filed against them for their alleged involvement in beggary in Saudi Arabia.
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh of LHC issued a 15-page verdict, rejecting petitions of accused who sought dismissal of cases against them. The FIA Multan filed a case of human trafficking against the accused on July 20, 2024.
According to the case, the accused were travelling to Saudi Arabia from Multan airport and during immigration process officials found some suspicious activities.
Upon investigation it was found that eight accused were travelling to Saudi Arabia for beggary, due to which the FIA filed a case against them under sections of human trafficking.
Beggary is a social evil which arises due to income inequality, unequal opportunities, unemployment and mental or physical disabilities. Several countries have criminal laws against beggary and in some countries beggars go through rehabilitation.
LHC’s decision cites ‘Sindh Vagrancy Act 1947’ which was the first legislation of its kind in Pakistan that provided framework for welfare of vagrants in the province of Sindh. In the court decision, UN meeting against beggary, vagrancy and human trafficking was also cited.
“Sometimes organised beggar groups target mentally and physically disabled people and make them beg for them,” says LHC.
The FIA filed the case under the sections of human trafficking while in actual the case is about wrong use of visa and violation of beggary related laws. However, more than 900 cigarette packets and nicotine were also recovered while searching the accused.
Justice Saleem added in the decision that according to the FIA such acts were done by organised beggar groups and the investigation and recovery proved that sections of human trafficking were also applicable against the accused.
“In current circumstances FIR seems true and court rejects the petitions to dismiss the case against the accused,” verdict concludes.
