Pakistan: Punjab Cabinet Increases Penalty for Child Begging to 10 Years

The Punjab cabinet, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, approved significant measures on Friday during its meeting in Lahore, Dawn reported yesterday. One of the key decisions was the amendment to the Punjab Vagrancy Ordinance 1958, which escalates the penalty for child begging from one year to ten years.

The cabinet also decided to dispatch medicines and essential goods to the people of Parachinar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and approved the establishment of a mobile healthcare unit for the area. Other notable decisions included the completion of Pakistan’s first green building project and the introduction of a farmer-friendly wheat release policy.

Additionally, funds were approved for free medicines in hospitals and the promotion of shrimp farming in Punjab. The cabinet emphasized the need to enhance education and emergency services, approving the School Management Council Policy 2024 and recruitment for emergency staff. The meeting highlighted the importance of improving infrastructure and social welfare programs across the province.