Amendment bill on begging prevention presented in Senate
Pakistan
Knocking on car windows, forcefully cleaning windshields, and rely solely on alms included
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – A revised bill on preventing begging was presented in the Senate, addressing incidents of Pakistanis begging abroad.
The interior ministry introduced an anti-human trafficking amendment bill, defining "organised begging" as forced, fraudulent, or coerced solicitation of charity. Deception, persuasion, or offering incentives for alms also fall under this category.
According to the bill, soliciting donations in public places, fortune-telling, performing tricks, or selling items under false pretenses are considered organised begging.
Knocking on car windows, forcefully cleaning windshields, and pretending to rely solely on alms for survival are also included.
Displaying wounds, disabilities, or illnesses to gain sympathy, as well as allowing oneself to be exhibited for donations, is categorised as organised begging.
The bill proposes up to 7 years in prison and a fine of Rs1 million for recruiting, harboring, or transporting individuals for organized begging.
Pakistani diplomatic missions have reported cases of citizens begging during Hajj, Umrah, pilgrimages, or personal visits. Host countries have urged strict action against such individuals.
The bill highlights that agents and gangs evade legal action since begging is not currently a criminal offense under FIA's jurisdiction. To address this growing issue, the bill suggests criminalizing begging.
