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PESHAWAR, Apr 10 (APP):Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur has expressed grave concern over the growing menace of organized beggary in urban centers, calling it a threat to public order and dignity.
In a high-level directive, the CM ordered immediate measures to regulate begging, curb exploitation by professional syndicates and rehabilitate vulnerable individuals forced into the practice.
The provincial government will introduce the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Vagrancy (Control and Rehabilitation) Act, a new law targeting exploitative begging rings that often use children, disabled persons, and drugged individuals for profit.
A multi-departmental committee has been formed to draft the legislation within 30 days, while Divisional Commissioners will lead enforcement task forces to declare key public spaces as no-begging zones.
Enhanced surveillance, including AI-powered facial recognition, CCTV monitoring, and geo-tagging of hotspots, will aid authorities in tracking offenders.
For rehabilitation, the Social Welfare Department will expand shelters and partner with NGOs to provide vocational training, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for rescued beggars.
A public helpline will also be established for citizen reporting. The Chief Minister emphasized that the crackdown aims to restore public safety while addressing the root causes of beggary.
The initiative, set to roll out ahead of peak seasons like Ramazan and Hajj, reflects the government’s resolve to combine legal action, technology, and social support for lasting change.