INGOs allowed to work in Pakistan

Nisar stops Nadra from setting up offices in rented property

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar on Thursday directed to establish a robust International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO) Facilitation Cell in the ministry with technical support of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).

Almost 70 INGOs had been granted approval under the new registration policy framework to work in Pakistan, a press release said. Chairing a high-level meeting here, the minister termed registration a ‘landmark achievement’ and directed the ministry to expeditiously process the pending applications of INGOs. The minister also directed Nadra not to rent buildings to set up offices.

The minister said, “We will welcome INGOs to operate freely and independently in Pakistan. Let me also make it very clear that now there would absolutely be no margin or space for any INGO to misuse its permission. We would not allow anyone to work against our national security interests.”

On the issue of Pakistan Origin Card (POC) for foreigners, especially those married to Pakistani nationals, Nisar directed Nadra to start work on provision of new cards to foreigners who had Pakistani spouses to facilitate their residence within the country.

The minister imposed a ban on Nadra for renting new property and buildings for offices. He said, “This is an avenue of corruption and misappropriation.” He also reviewed the policy framework of Nadra to engage the provincial governments in establishment of Nadra-owned permanent infrastructure.

The minister also approved collaboration between Nadra and Pakistan Post under which post offices would be improved and Nadra facilities would be provided in their buildings. As a first step under the project, 10 post offices, two each in urban and rural areas of the four provinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, would be engaged for provision of Nadra services in the initial phase.

After completion of test and evaluation period, the project would be further expanded and 1,500 postal offices across the country, especially in the far flung and rural areas, would be equipped for provision of Nadra facilities.