INGOs cannot collect funds without approval of govt: Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on Thursday that within three and a half months, a policy has been prepared for the first time regarding local and foreign Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference today, the minister said that despite the grave security situation in the country, several foreign NGOs were given carte blanche in the past.

He went on to say that presently, several foreign NGO offices have been shut down by the federal government, while several have been sent warnings.

Nisar added that several INGOs operating in the country have also been denied security clearance.

The interior minister said that according to the newly prepared policy, INGOs will not be able to collect funds without approval of federal government, adding that there are no records present of foreign funding by NGOs.

Nisar went on to say that the online registration applications for NGOs will be public property, while a committee has been formed to oversee the registration for each NGO.

He said 60 days have been given to each NGO for online registration.

He added that an MoU with each NGO will be signed before they can continue operations in the country.

He went on to say that the MoU would remain in force for three years and foreign nationals will need visa for their arrival in the country while the nature of the visa would not be changed.

The minister further said that any action taken against any NGO will also be made public.

“Registration of the INGOs found to be indulging in any illegal funding, financing, or interaction with proscribed organisations will be automatically cancelled.”