PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved the presentation of the Vagrancy Begging Control and Rehabilitation Bill before the provincial cabinet, aiming to address begging through a framework that combines legal enforcement with rehabilitation and social reintegration.

The proposed legislation, approved by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, seeks to distinguish between organised and forced begging and cases linked to economic hardship. Officials say the move is intended to curb exploitation—particularly involving children—while providing pathways for rehabilitation and long-term support, reflecting the values of KP.

According to the briefing, the bill targets networks involved in organised and exploitative begging, with a focus on protecting children and ensuring access to rehabilitation and education. Authorities said action against such practices is considered both a constitutional and legal responsibility of the state, as mandated by KP.

Under the proposed law, organised and forced begging would be classified as punishable offences. First-time involvement in simple begging may result in a warning, referral to a rehabilitation centre, or imprisonment of up to one month with a fine. Repeat offences could lead to imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of Rs50,000.

The bill also proposes penalties for fraud, deception, or the use of fake disabilities, with sentences ranging from one to two years. Individuals involved in organised or forced begging could face imprisonment of up to three years and fines of up to Rs400,000, while organisers and facilitators would be subject to stricter punishment.

Officials said the legislation includes provisions for rehabilitation centres, skills development programmes, and employment opportunities to support reintegration into society. The government says the approach is designed to address the social roots of begging while enforcing the law against exploitation.

The chief minister has urged the public to avoid giving money to organised begging networks and to support verified rehabilitation mechanisms so assistance reaches those in genuine need.

If passed, the bill would make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the first province to introduce a comprehensive legal framework combining regulation and rehabilitation to address begging as a social issue.