The Punjab Home Department has decided to shut down all unregistered NGOs operating across the province. The move came during the 23rd meeting of the Punjab Charity Commission, where officials stressed that registration is mandatory for every welfare and charitable body in Punjab.
According to the commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Colonel (R) Shehzad Aamir, visits were conducted to 938 NGOs this year. Action was taken against 98 groups found violating regulations, while 29 organisations had their registrations suspended and cancelled.
Officials noted that such measures also played a vital role in Pakistan’s removal from the FATF grey list.
The meeting also approved new recruitments to strengthen the commission. Training programs and youth involvement in welfare work were highlighted as future priorities.
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The Home Department urged citizens to donate zakat, charity and other contributions only to organisations registered with the Punjab Charity Commission. Each registered body can be verified through QR codes on their certificates.
Authorities reminded that donating to banned or unregistered groups is strictly prohibited and under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, any support to proscribed groups is a criminal offense.
