The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar has directed the interior secretary to appear before the committee on November 5 and explain why the decision to ban several international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) from functioning in the country was taken.
According to a local media report, a detailed briefing about the process and rules for the registration of INGOs is asked to be submitted. Moreover, Khokhar said that this will “prevent development, relief and aid work — directly impacting the poor as a result”.
The decision to ban INGOs has not been well received in development and international circles and a letter has been written to Prime Minister Imran Khan to review the policy.
There are also concerns about the registration process of the organisations working in the sector. The local media report also stated that “the international community has also expressed concerns over this as well as over the fact that such policies of the government will undermine the confidence of both international donors and the business community, who would otherwise be willing to extend generous funds to programmes”.
