AFTER months of controversy over international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) operations in Pakistan, the government finally announced its first-ever policy on Thursday to regulate the working of INGOs in the country.

This reporter spoke to Heather Macey, country coordinator at Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF), an umbrella organisation representing over 50 INGOs, to discuss the impact of this policy.

Q. In principle there is nothing wrong with Pakistan trying to regulate INGOs. However does the PHF have issues with the mechanism that is going to be put in place?

A. Member INGOs of PHF are willing and able to work with any mechanism the government of Pakistan puts in place, which facilitates INGOs work in reducing the vulnerabilities of the 27 million people we work with in Pakistan. PHF member INGOs look forward to working in cooperation with the government to ensure an efficient roll-out of this new system.

Q. Will the restrictions being placed on travel on foreign employees hinder the work of INGOs in Pakistan?

A. The international employees of INGOs already follow requirements for visas and travel in Pakistan. However where there are delays in processing permissions, this could impact the work of INGOs in Pakistan. Fifty-nine PHF member INGOs employ more than 9,000 local staff members and 95 international (all of whom are following the legal requirements).

Q. The new policy warns INGOs against engaging in, among other things, “anti-state” activities. Do you fear this blanket term could be used to cover a lot of activities of INGOs, especially those working on human rights?

A. INGOs are organisations that are principally and programmatically independent from political, economic, military or other objectives. All 59 PHF members are committed to providing humanitarian and development assistance to the people of Pakistan based on need alone, regardless of nationality, gender, background, political affiliations or religious beliefs. PHF members trust the government’s new registration policy will ensure an open and transparent mechanism in place to facilitate INGOs work, including their work on human rights.

Q. What general impact do you think would this new policy leave on humanitarian efforts in Pakistan?

A. PHF believes the new INGO registration policy is a positive step forward and through swift implementation and processing of registration applications allow for a transparent and accountable system to facilitate INGOs work in both humanitarian and development efforts, now and in the future.

Q. Was PHF consulted by the government during the formation of this policy?

A. PHF has not been part of any formal government consultation in the formation of the current policy.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd , 2015

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