Govt closes two INGOs for violations

Two international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), Vital Strategies and the US-based Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids have been directed to stop operations for involvement in illegal activities.

Provincial administrations, including those in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, have been instructed to enforce the closure of these organizations. The State Bank of Pakistan has been ordered to freeze their bank accounts, and steps are being taken to ensure the shutdown of their offices. 

Sources reveal that both organizations had been operating in Pakistan for several years without obtaining official government approval.  Despite their unregistered status, they collaborated with the Ministry of Health, raising concerns about compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. 

Neither organization is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) or the Economic Affairs Division, which constitutes a violation of local regulations.  This action is part of the government’s broader efforts to regulate the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and address unauthorized operations. 

The move underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that all entities operating in the country adhere to local laws and proper registration protocols. Authorities are taking firm measures to prevent unapproved activities and promote transparency in collaborations with international organizations.