ISLAMABAD: A day after Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan unveiled the policy for regulating operations of international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) in Pakistan, over two dozen representatives of different INGOs accessed the newly established online registration site.

It was announced by the ministry of interior on Friday. The ministry said that the welcome accorded to the new policy was encouraging.

Also read: New policy for NGOs prepared: Chaudhry Nisar

A ministry spokesman said that all constructive and positive suggestions meant to improve the policy would be welcomed.

Another official told Dawn that the policy would enable the INGOs to receive legitimate foreign contributions and economic assistance through legal channels and appropriately utilise their financial resources on the agreed area of public welfare, simultaneously ensuring due monitoring, accountability and transparency of their governance, management and funding streams. He said the government might allow duty free import of goods for consumption by the INGOs subject to the provisions of Clause 56 of Part IV of Second Schedule to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, with prior approval of the Federal Board of Revenue. He said the INGOs would be required to sign a memorandum of understanding with the government specifying the scope of socio-economic development activity and the location where the programmes are to be executed.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd , 2015

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