ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan directed on Monday officials of his ministry to expedite the process of according approval to international non-governmental organisations as per new policy in consultation with all stakeholders.

A meeting, presided over by the minister, allowed the INGOs whose applications for registration were under process to continue their operations till a final decision by the ministry.

Chaudhry Nisar directed the interior secretary to establish a special cell in the ministry in coordination with Nadra to facilitate INGOs.

The meeting, attended by heads of civil departments of the interior ministry, reviewed overall working of the ministry and various departments, the progress made so far on new policies regarding private security companies, bullet proofing of vehicles and arms licensing and related issues.

The minister said more than 8,500 names had been removed from the exit control list, leaving behind around 3,100 names.

Nisar asks interior ministry officials to expedite process of approval

He said the new policy ensured transparency and rule of law in the exit control system and resolved the issue of misusing this authority of state for settling personal scores and issues.

The meeting was informed that after suffering a loss of Rs1.68 billion in 2011-12, the National Database and Registration Authority earned a net profit of Rs6bn during the previous calendar year.

The Nadra chairman said 2015 was another success story of betterment of service delivery and operational proficiency, improvement of overall working and cleansing of corrupt and inefficient elements.

The minister said that Nadra should continue its policy of rewarding and encouraging dedicated and honest workers while simultaneously taking action against corrupt and dishonest elements in the organisation.

The meeting was informed that the Safe City Project would soon be made fully operational.

The minister advised the interior secretary to ensure that competent officers were tasked to look after important matters such as readmission affairs, immigrations and matters pertaining to INGOs.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2016