Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has proposed that begging be classified as a non-bailable offense in Pakistan, raising concerns over the negative impact of organized begging networks on the country’s reputation. The remarks were made during the third session of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Harden State Committee.
Naqvi underscored the urgency of cracking down on what he referred to as the “begging mafia,” calling for stricter legislation to tackle the issue. He stressed that such groups are damaging Pakistan’s image internationally and must be confronted with firm legal action.
Read More: https://theneutral.pk/imf-approves-tax-relief-for-salaried-class-in-pakistans-upcoming-budget/
The meeting also addressed the presence of undocumented foreigners in the country. Naqvi instructed the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to enable live data verification at all exit points. He further called for the comprehensive enforcement of a unified documentation system among all concerned agencies, highlighting the importance of coordination between federal and provincial institutions to combat unlawful activities.
Other matters reviewed included strategies to reduce electricity theft, updates on intelligence-based operations, and the recovery of substantial financial assets. Progress reports were also shared on anti-encroachment initiatives, the development of the Pakistan Port Authority, and the ongoing implementation of the Safe City project in Gwadar.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, provincial administrations, and various security agencies were present at the meeting. The committee also deliberated on preventing the distribution of illegal and smuggled fuel by proposing the digitalization of petrol pumps and stricter highway surveillance.
