Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Monday approved the presentation of the “Vagrancy Control and Rehabilitation Bill” before the provincial cabinet. The bill is being hailed as a historic step to dismantle begging mafias while safeguarding vulnerable citizens.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, CM Afridi said the law draws a clear line between exploitation and genuine need. He added that individuals compelled by poverty will receive rehabilitation, skills training, and employment opportunities, while those turning begging into a profession will face strict punishment.
This legislation updates the 2020 vagrancy law and focuses on forced child begging, fraud schemes, and begging through fake disabilities. First-time simple offenders may receive warnings, rehabilitation, or imprisonment of up to one month. Repeat offenders may face up to a year in jail along with fines.
More serious offences, such as begging through deception or fake disabilities, carry one to two years’ imprisonment. Organized begging networks could face up to three years in jail and fines of up to Rs400,000. Ringleaders and facilitators will face the strictest penalties.
Child protection is a central feature of the bill. Children involved in begging will be removed from exploitative environments and placed in welfare and rehabilitation programs. The law also sets up a Provincial Steering Committee to oversee enforcement, coordinate departments, implement rehabilitation protocols, and run public awareness campaigns.
Modern technology, including biometric systems and digital monitoring, will be used to prevent repeated exploitation. Rehabilitation measures will provide temporary shelter, healthcare, psychological support, education, vocational training, and social reintegration. A dedicated, non-lapsable Vagrancy Control and Rehabilitation Fund will support these initiatives, funded through government grants, donations, and national and international partners.
