LAHORE: (Friday, August 08, 2025): Punjab University Institute of Social and Cultural Studies (ISCS) organized a thought-provoking panel discussion on “Socio-Legal and Ethical Implications of Beggary in Pakistan.” On this occasion, Vice Chancellor University of Chitral Prof Dr Hazir Ullah, Director ISCS Dr Farhan Navid Yousaf, DG SES Dr Rehan Sadiq Sheikh, Director DSA Dr Shahzeb Khan, Sociologist Dr Nadeem Abbas, Barrister Haris Ramzan, Muzammal Yar from the Social Welfare Department, senior journalist Ajmal Jami, CEO Charity commission Col. (r) Shahzad Amir, academics, legal experts and students were present. In his address, Vice Chancellor University of Chitral Dr Hazir Ullah described beggary as a serious, complex and multi-sectoral issue that demands equally serious, coordinated solutions. He stressed that beggars not only sustain the cycle of poverty but also reproduce it by involving their children. He said that charity must come with responsibility and educational curricula should address these issues through stories and awareness content. He called for a nationwide awareness campaign, the use of street signage with clear messaging and strong legal action against organized beggary networks. Dr Farhan Navid Yousaf while welcoming the participants shed light on how Pakistan’s socio-cultural fabric fuels the phenomenon of beggary. He emphasized the negative impact this issue has on the country’s global image and the need for coordinated action by the government, civil society and the public. He said that the event brought together distinguished academics, legal experts, media professionals, and government officials to deliberate on the pressing issue of beggary and its multifaceted consequences on Pakistani society. Dr Nadeem Abbas presented alarming data from the WHO 2018 report, stating that 1.2 million people die globally in road accidents annually, with beggars at traffic signals contributing significantly to unsafe road conditions in Pakistan. Muzammal Yar elaborated on the 1958 Anti-Beggary Act and the efforts made since 2015 through beggar homes that offer rehabilitation, vocational training, and healthcare. Ajmal Jami stressed that charity, while deeply rooted in religious values, is being exploited by organized beggary networks. He called upon religious scholars and students to play a catalytic role in creating change and urged the youth to take individual steps for societal reform. Barrister Haaris Ramzan identified key loopholes in the Punjab Vagrancy Ordinance 1958 and noted the lack of effectiveness among law enforcement agencies. Dr Shahzeb Khan shared how students from various departments of PU have been encouraged to design and implement community-based projects aligned with sustainable development goals during summer vacations. Col (r) Shahzad Amir pointed out that Pakistan has a strong philanthropic tradition rooted in religious teachings, which unfortunately is exploited by beggars. Later, Dr Farhan Navid Yousaf and DG SES Dr Rehan Sadiq Sheikh presented souvenirs to the distinguished panelists as a token of appreciation.