PESHAWAR, Feb 09 (APP): Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has approved the presentation of the Vagrancy (Beggary) Control and Rehabilitation Bill in the provincial cabinet, aimed at ensuring effective action against organized, forced and exploitative begging in the province.
The proposed legislation seeks to address the issue of beggary through a rights-based, reformative and dignity-centered policy, focusing not only on punishment but also on rehabilitation and aftercare mechanisms.
The government aims to establish a strong system for protection, rehabilitation and social reintegration of affected individuals.
Under the proposed law, strict legal action will be taken against those who force children into begging, with no leniency.
The chief minister emphasized that removing children from begging and providing them with protection, rehabilitation and education is the constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.
According to the proposed bill, organized and forced begging will be declared a serious punishable offence, while a clear distinction will be made between professional beggars and individuals compelled by circumstances.
The law also proposes sustainable solutions through rehabilitation centers, skill development and employment opportunities.
During the briefing, the chief minister was informed that first-time involvement in simple begging may result in a warning, referral to a rehabilitation center, or up to one month imprisonment with a fine.
Repeated offences could lead to imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of Rs 50,000.
Fraud, deception and fake disability may attract one to two years imprisonment, while involvement in organized or forced begging could result in imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of Rs 400,000. Ringleaders and facilitators of beggary networks will face the strictest punishments.
It was stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is set to become the first province to introduce a comprehensive, sustainable and humane solution to the serious social issue of beggary.
The chief minister also appealed to the public to channel charity through credible rehabilitation systems instead of giving directly to organized networks, in order to completely eliminate exploitation.