ISLAMABAD: Representatives of non-governmental organisations, trade unions and civil society organisations (CSOs) from all over the country gathered here on Friday to chalk out a future course of action following the recent statements of politicians against NGOs, their staff and volunteers.

The ‘national meeting’ organised by the Pakistan Civil Society Forum (PCSF) took serious exception to a statement of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in which he alleged that the national NGOs were involved in anti-state activities and had links with Israel, India and the United States.

According to a statement, the forum noted that “such statements amount to hate speech as they may incite violence against NGOs and can put at risk the lives of hundreds of thousands of NGO workers active in various parts of Pakistan.”

The forum condemned the arbitrary ban on Save the Children office without due process under the Pakistani laws. While the government’s quick retraction was welcome, the forum believed the threat to the INGOs had not abated.

Pakistan Civil Society Forum welcomes the lifting of ban on Save the Children but claims that the threat to INGOs has not abated

The forum urged the government to acknowledge the work the national and international NGOs had been carrying out to help the people of Pakistan and refrain from undermining the work of thousands of NGOs and INGOs simply because of their dislike for Save the Children.

The meeting further noted that NGOs had brought respect to the state and society of Pakistan at international forums.

Their role in strengthening democratic institutions was well recognised and respected by all political forces.

The participants also reminded the government that all laws and directives must ensure the protection of fundamental rights of all the citizens.

The forum said it would hold dialogues with members of parliament and the provincial assemblies as well as government officials to improve citizen-state engagement and understanding.

The civil society organisations which attended the meeting and endorsed the statement included Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, South Asia Partnership Pakistan, Aurat Foundation, Sungi Development Foundation, SPO, PILER, Shirkat Gah, Omar Asghar Foundation, Rozan, PODA, SAFCO, Paiman, Daman, Bargad, Centre for Civic Education, Pattan Development Organisation and Society for Alternative Media.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play