Punjab Bans Unregistered NGOs, Warns Citizens on Donations

Lahore: The Punjab government has announced a ban on all welfare organizations and NGOs operating without official registration. The decision was taken during the 23rd session of the Punjab Charity Commission, chaired by senior officials of the Home Department.

Syed Ali Murtaza, Captain (R) Asadullah, Usama Siddiq, Special Secretary Home Fazal Rehman, and CEO Colonel (R) Shehzad Aamir attended the meeting. Officials emphasized that every welfare organization must be registered with the Punjab Charity Commission to continue operations.

The commission’s strict monitoring has played a role in Pakistan’s removal from the FATF grey list. In 2025 alone, inspections were carried out on 938 NGOs, resulting in 98 penalties and 29 cancellations of registration. New staff recruitments and training programs were also approved to make welfare work more effective, with a focus on youth involvement.

The Home Department reminded citizens to donate only to registered NGOs, which can be identified by QR-coded certificates. Donations to banned or unregistered organizations are strictly prohibited.

Officials further warned that supporting proscribed groups is a serious criminal offense under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997.