Islamabad, January 30, 2025 – In a significant move to combat migrant smuggling and curb the rising issue of organised begging, the Pakistani government has announced plans to tighten legislation and introduce harsher penalties for offenders.
On January 28, 2025, the Ministry of Interior introduced the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Senate. The bill, aimed at amending the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018, seeks to address the growing problem of illegal migration and human trafficking, with particular attention to the smuggling of refugees and organised begging.
The amendment bill, introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri on June 10, 2024, proposes severe punishments for those involved in migrant smuggling, including a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of Rs 10 million. Those who prepare fraudulent documents to aid illegal migration could face up to 10 years in prison along with a fine of Rs 5 million.
Further provisions of the bill include up to five years in prison and a fine of Rs 2 million for individuals found guilty of providing shelter to illegal residents. The legislation also emphasizes strict action against those responsible for inhumane treatment, injury, or death, proposing penalties of up to 14 years in prison and a fine of Rs 10 million.
A key highlight of the proposed changes is the formation of special courts designed to expedite the trials of human trafficking offenders, ensuring swift justice for those involved in these criminal activities.
The bill has specifically defined organised begging as the act of soliciting financial assistance through fraudulent or coercive means, including forcibly cleaning car windows or knocking on vehicle windows. It also highlights the issue of individuals engaged in begging during pilgrimage trips such as Hajj, Umrah, and Ziyarat, promising strict action against these gangs exploiting vulnerable pilgrims.
The legislation reflects the government’s growing concern about the rising number of Pakistani nationals being exploited for begging both domestically and abroad, particularly in pilgrimage regions, and is seen as a vital step toward combating these unlawful practices.
The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan’s stance against human trafficking and migrant exploitation, aligning with international efforts to ensure the protection and rights of vulnerable individuals.
