Wednesday, December 6, 2017
This morning, ActionAid received a letter from the Pakistani government declining its application for registration under the new INGO Policy Framework. The organization has been given 60 days to close all operations in the country.
Yet another example of shrinking civil society space around the world, this comes just months after ActionAid Uganda’s offices were raided by police and their bank accounts frozen.
Iftikhar Nizami, Country Director of ActionAid Pakistan Country Programme, said:
“We are surprised by the notification we received today. During the lengthy INGO registration process we provided all the information and documents required and are confident we comply with all necessary rules and regulations.
“We have been working in Pakistan since 1992 and have a long track record of eradicating poverty in communities across the country. In order to continue our vital work we will be appealing the decision and are also exploring other legal options to carry on operating.
“We are committed to working for poor children, women and men throughout Pakistan.”
Please contact Ravneet Ahluwalia (ravneet.ahluwalia@actionaid.org) for further information.