PHF concerned over change in NGOs registration

Islamabad
The Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF) on Thursday expressed concern over the impact caused by the shift of NGO registration from Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs Division (EAD), to Ministry of Interior (MOI).
While welcoming any change that will provide legitimate status to INGOs in Pakistan and assurance to the government about their activities, PHF pointed out in a press statement that no official directive formalising the change has been issued nor have they been given any guidance or indication on how to comply.
The statement says that all PHF members complied with the government’s 2013 directive to register with EAD but only a few have received MOUs or interim permissions and most PHF members have had applications pending for nearly two and half years. They expressed concern that their ability to continue providing social welfare to some of Pakistan’s most needy people is being compromised.
“Our biggest concern is the impact this will have on nearly 19 million people with whom we work,” said Khobaib Vahedy, director of Muslim Aid and acting chair of the forum. “These are children whose families receive extra support during Ramazan, or food for malnourished children and mothers.
These are displaced people living in camps and they should not be the ones who suffer because of a transition in governmental policy.”The statement says that PHF members are looking forward to working in cooperation with the government to quickly implement a new process.
“We recognise the responsibility of the government to oversee NGOs working in Pakistan and we support their determination to ensure there are no illegitimate activities,” Vahedy said. “However, INGOs have over 12,000 Pakistani staff working to provide support to some of the poorest in our society.
In this context, the activities of INGOs should be facilitated for the benefit of these vulnerable people in the country.”PHF members hoped that the government will clarify the situation, prioritise operations reaching vulnerable people, issue guidance on the status of current permissions, and consult with them on any new process being created.
The Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF) represents 57 International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) delivering humanitarian assistance and development projects in Pakistan.
The PHF was formed in June 2003 as a coordination forum, after needs for increased partnerships and information sharing between NGOs was identified during the earthquake in the northern areas in 2002. All the leading INGOs working in disaster management signed on to an informal membership.
Today the PHF is an informal coordinating forum that supports and facilitates the work of INGOs to effectively address the humanitarian and development needs across Pakistan.