ISLAMABAD: The European Union Delegation in Pakistan, along with the Heads of Mission of Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway and Switzerland, issued a joint statement in Islamabad on Thursday, focusing on the situation of international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and urging the Pakistani authorities not to shut down further activities of such organizations in the interest of Pakistan and its vulnerable citizens.
“We have been engaging with the leadership of Pakistan to revisit the situation of those international non-governmental organisations whose registration was initially rejected by the previous administration,” read the statement. “We welcome the recent offer for an open dialogue as proposed by the Government of Pakistan, and hope that this dialogue will be initiated shortly.”
The EU delegation and other diplomatic missions said that they respected “the Government’s right to maintain an INGO registration policy” but shared “a deep concern over the way in which it has been implemented.”
They further added that closure of more INGOs “without clear justification” would not only impact Pakistan’s civil society but also impede the country’s desire to achieve good governance and inclusive development.
The statement noted that most INGOs worked through local partners, pointing to the fact that their departure from the development sector could also reduce financial prospects of these Pakistani organizations.
“We believe that the work of INGOs contributes in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals in Pakistan,” it continued. “We are of the view that the rejected INGOs have been positively contributing towards these goals in many areas. With their expertise, flexibility, and ability to operate under difficult circumstances, international and national NGOs have made invaluable contributions to Pakistan and are indispensable for our countries to continue our wide-ranging cooperation activities in partnership with the Government of Pakistan.”
Earlier this month, Pakistan had asked 18 INGOs to wind up their operations and leave. This was in line with a strict registration policy for INGOs that the country has adopted since it suspects that some of these organizations have been working against its interests and focusing a great deal on sensitive security and religious issues.
While the state has gone after these organizations, it has also came under diplomatic pressure over the issue since EU nations and other countries have urged it to reconsider its policy.
