Punjab to make begging a non-bailable offence

LAHORE: The Punjab Cabinet has approved amendments to the provincial anti-begging law, making begging a non-bailable offence in the province, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

The Punjab Cabinet’s Standing Committee on Legislation and Privatisation has approved amendments to the Vagrancy Ordinance, 1958.

As per the recommendations of the Punjab Cabinet Standing Committee on Legislation and Privatisation, begging has been declared a non-bailable offence.

The beggar mafia faces a maximum sentence of eight years and a fine of up to Rs 500,000.

In this regard, recommendations for amendments to the Vagrancy Ordinance have been sent to the Punjab Cabinet for approval.

According to the recommendations, the leader of the beggar gang could face a prison sentence of at least three years and up to eight years.

Unpaid fines will result in an additional two years in prison.

Repeat offenders will face double punishment and fines under the new provisions.