Citizens asked not to give donations to banned bodies

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has released a list of banned organizations and unregistered charitable institutions, urging citizens to refrain from donating to them.

According to the department, providing financial or any other support to banned outfits is a punishable offense under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. A spokesperson for the department warned that individuals or groups aiding proscribed organizations involved in terrorism or anti-state activities would face legal consequences. Citizens have been advised to ensure that their Zakat, charity and other donations go only to organizations registered with the Punjab Charity Commission, which can be verified via QR codes on their official certificates.

The spokesperson urged citizens to verify that their donations reach the rightful beneficiaries rather than being misused for unlawful activities. The list of registered charitable organizations is available on the Punjab Charity Commission’s website www.charitycommission.punjab.gov.pk. Additionally, citizens can report organizations involved in fraudulent, terror-related, anti-state, or self-serving activities to the Punjab Home Department. Any attempts by banned outfits to collect donations should be reported via toll-free number 080011111 or helpline 042-99214871 and 042-99214872.

Banned Baloch and Sindhi separatist groups: Baloch Republican Army, Balochistan Liberation Front, Lashkar-e-Balochistan, Balochistan Liberation United Front, Baloch Muslim Defence Organization, Balochistan Waja Liberation Army, Baloch Republican Party-Azad, Balochistan United Army, United Baloch Army, Jiye Sindh Muttahida Mahaz, Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army and Sindhudesh Liberation Army.

Banned welfare and educational trusts linked to extremism: Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Al-Anfal Trust Lahore, Idara Khidmat-e-Khalq Lahore, Al-Dawa Al-Irshad Lahore, Al-Hamd Trust Lahore/Faisalabad, Mosques & Welfare Trust Lahore, Al-Madina Foundation Lahore, Muaz Bin Jabal Educational Trust Lahore, Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation, Al-Fazl Foundation/Trust Lahore, Al-Isar Foundation Lahore, Pak-Turk International CAG Education Foundation, Hizb-ul-Ahrar, Khatm-ul-Anbiya, Ghazi Force, Ghulaman-e-Sahaba, Mimar Trust, Sachal Sarmast Welfare Trust Karachi, Al-Jaza Patient Welfare Society Karachi, Al-Akhtar Trust and Al-Rashid Trust.