Pakistan denies closing down international NGOs

Islamabad: Pakistan on Saturday denied media reports it is closing down operations of international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) in the country.

There was no such move but a process to streamline the activities of INGOs is underway, said a foreign ministry statement.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has set up a high powered interministerial committee for the purpose under the chairmanship of his special assistant Tariq Fatemi, the statement said.

The committee will make recommendations for bringing improvement in the existing rules and procedures for screening, regulation and monitoring of INGOs, it said.

The exercise is aimed at ensuring “transparency, efficiency and compliance with laid down framework with a view to optimising the benefit of INGOs contribution and activities in support of our national development goals, while ensuring respect for our culture, norms and security.”

The statement expressed the hope the process would lead to better coordination and working environment.

Religious parties as well as some other groups have often voiced suspicions about role of INGOs while liberal and moderate circles reject such an attitude.