Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz-led Punjab government announced on Sunday the establishment of special barracks across the province’s jails to imprison beggar mafia chiefs.
According to a spokesperson from the Punjab Home Department, each barrack in the first phase will accommodate between 100 to 200 individuals.
These specialised barracks will be set up initially in major cities where the problem of organised begging is more prevalent. The number of barracks will be increased as necessary.
The Punjab government’s commitment to eradicating the beggar mafia includes legislative measures. The Home Department is currently drafting legislation to impose stricter penalties on leaders of the beggar mafia.
The proposed laws aim to address the kidnapping and coercion of children, with severe penalties for those found guilty of exploiting vulnerable individuals for professional begging.
This legislative move is part of a broader strategy to protect the rights and welfare of citizens, particularly women and children who are often the victims of such exploitation.
The spokesperson stressed that the government is determined to tackle the issue comprehensively.
