Forced begging declared non-bailable offence

Lahore: The Punjab Interior Department Friday sent the amendment to the Anti-Corruption Law to the Cabinet for approval.

According to the spokesman of the Punjab Home Department, the new law stated that forced begging has been declared a non-bailable offence.

The spokesperson said that those who make children, elderly and women beg forcefully, will be punished severely. While the gang leaders of beggar mafia will face 10 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs2 million. In case of non-payment of fine, three years additional punishment will have to be served. Those who dispose of child organs and make them beg are not eligible for exemption.

According to the interior Department, earlier there was no law to punish the gang leaders of beggar mafia.