Since November 2013, the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) of the Government of Pakistan has implemented a policy framework for regulating foreign contributions to non-governmental organizations (NGOs).  With the proposed Regulation of Foreign Contributions Bill 2015, civil society networks arocess Pakistan argues that civil society groups in the country will face more limitations on foreign funding, more burdensome registration regulations, and harsher penalties.

Organizations such as the Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network (PCSN), Tribal NGOs Consortium (TNC), Pakistan Civil Society Forum (PCSF), Insani Haqooq Itehad (IHI), Pakistan Development Alliance (PDA) and several others have been organizing consultative sessions to discuss the content and implications of the proposed legislation and the notified policy. The organizations are calling the Pakistani Government to forge a strategic partnership with NGOs and other stakeholders operating in the ‘non-profit sector.’ In order to achieve its long-term development goals, new legislation should not unjustly restrict NGOs. Click here for full statement.