ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has unveiled the first-ever policy to regulate the operations of international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) in the country.

It requires all INGOs to apply through a newly-introduced online registration system within the next 60 days.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab House on Thursday, the minister said the policy would regulate the registration, working, funding, monitoring and other aspects pertaining to all types of INGOs.

He said that an INGO committee, headed by the interior secretary, would scrutinise the applications within 60 days and decide their fate.

Approved INGOs will be registered for specific fields of work and areas of operation, after consultation with the federal and provincial authorities and in line with their needs and the country’s priorities.

Pending a final decision on their application for registration, there will be no interim permission to work for INGOs. However, previously registered INGOs will be allowed to continue their operations for six months, or until a final decision is made on their applications. Subject to approval, INGOs will sign an MoU with the government for a period of up to three years.

The policy warns INGOs against any engagement in money laundering, terrorist financing, weapons smuggling, anti-state activities or maintenance of links with proscribed organisations, which would entail cancellation of their registration.

A breach of security or involvement in any activity inconsistent with national interests or contrary to government’s policy will lead to cancellation of registration. INGOs have been barred from taking part in any kind of political activity or conducting any research or surveys irrelevant to their terms of reference.

Right of appeal will be applicable only in cases of cancellation of registration and in the case of any grievance, INGO may file a representation before a special ministerial committee, to be constituted and notified by the government. The cancellation of registration would not be open for challenge in any court of law.

The INGOs will also be obliged to provide any information that the government may require from time to time and INGOs not fulfilling disclosure requirements will be proceeded against.

In addition, INGOs will be required to have their financial audit conducted by auditors approved by the INGO committee.

INGOs receiving foreign contributions emanating from outside Pakistan or utilising foreign economic assistance will require prior registration exclusively with the Ministry of Interior. INGOs will not raise funds or receive donations locally, unless specifically authorised to do so.

The INGOs will also be required to declare all foreign funds, along with the terms and conditions of those funds, as well as details of all their bank accounts.

The INGOs will only be allowed to establish headquarters and field offices, open bank accounts, and hire local employees after registration with the government. No unregistered INGO shall be allowed to function or have visas issued for its personnel.

INGOs will not be able to provide monetary or material assistance to another INGO or local NGO prior to an approval by the government.

The foreign employees of the INGOs will have to seek prior permission from the Ministry of Interior for visiting areas outside their designated area of activities, and violations may lead to the cancellation of their visa.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2015

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