Begging Should Be a Non-Bailable Offense, Says Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi

Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called for stricter action against organized begging rings, stating that begging should be declared a non-bailable offense to help curb the growing menace tarnishing the country’s image.
The remarks came during the third high-level meeting of the Counter-Terrorism and Harden the State Committees, chaired by Naqvi. During the session, key decisions were made, including intensifying operations against illegal foreign residents across the country.
Naqvi emphasized that the “begging mafia” is contributing to national embarrassment and must be dealt with firmly. He also directed NADRA to enable live data verification at exit points and stressed the urgent implementation of a unified “One Document System” by all relevant institutions.
Addressing issues beyond internal security, Naqvi said that the Ministry of Interior is fully cooperating with the Ministry of Energy and provincial governments to curb electricity theft. A briefing revealed that over 250 intelligence-based operations are being conducted daily, leading to a recovery of Rs 142 billion due to coordinated efforts.
The meeting also reviewed progress on anti-encroachment operations, the establishment of the Pakistan Port Authority, and security initiatives in Gwadar, including the Safe City Project and the construction of a protective wall.
Efforts to digitize petrol pumps to prevent the sale of illegal and smuggled fuel were also discussed. Officials were informed that under new legislation, customs officials and deputy commissioners will have the authority to seal pumps and seize vehicles involved in smuggling.
Work is underway to establish digital enforcement stations along the Indus River and to implement an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for better monitoring on national highways and motorways.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Punjab Law Minister Sohaib Ahmed Bharath, KP Information Advisor Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, the Interior Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, IGs from all provinces, and senior officials from security agencies.