Islamabad, Mar 13, 2025: The Punjab Assembly has successfully passed the Punjab Begging (Amendment) Bill 2025 through a majority vote.
The legislation is now awaiting approval from the Punjab Governor, after which the modifications will be officially integrated into the existing legal framework.
According to the newly proposed amendments, begging has been categorized as a non-bailable offense in Punjab.
The revised bill states that any ringleader found collecting money from a single individual will be subject to a three-year prison sentence, a penalty of Rs 300,000, or both. In the event of non-payment of the fine, an additional six-month jail term will be enforced.
Furthermore, individuals engaging in begging from multiple people will face imprisonment ranging from three to five years, along with a maximum fine of Rs 500,000, or both.
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The Punjab government has introduced these amendments to take stringent action against organized begging syndicates and professional beggars.
The provincial cabinet has already sanctioned changes to the Anti-Begging Act to curb the operations of the so-called “beggar mafia” by implementing tougher legal consequences.
Before finalizing the amendments, the Punjab Assembly’s Special Committee on Home Affairs thoroughly examined the provisions of the Punjab Vagrancy Ordinance.
Once the Governor grants approval, the revised regulations will be formally enacted as part of the legal system, reinforcing efforts to combat organized begging networks effectively.
