THE widespread emergence of ‘nameless donation boxes’ soliciting charity in cities and towns across Punjab exposes a critical gap between the province’s decision to publicise a list of 89 proscribed terrorist and extremist organisations and its ability to effectively enforce the ban. These boxes — chained to or hung on poles, trees and walls at markets, shops, shopping malls, roadsides, etc — represent widespread unregistered and unregulated fundraising, often linked to banned groups, operating openly beyond effective government control. Their anonymity defeats the very purpose of banning these groups and publicising their names. The provincial home department’s explanation that such boxes remain in place pending madressah registration is not reassuring and shows hesitation in cracking down on banned networks that operate in plain sight.

Enforcement cannot be delayed or made conditional when unregulated fundraising is taking place in the open. Allowing anonymous charity collection to continue suggests that the authorities are not serious about enforcing the ban. This also raises questions about the state’s credibility. When banned groups or their suspected fronts are allowed to collect funds anonymously, proscription becomes a mere formality rather than meaningful action. The effectiveness of actions against terrorism depends not just on announcements, but on visibly disrupting these networks and their leadership and preventing them from operating under any name or collecting funds for their activities. Citizens cannot be expected to judge the legitimacy of anonymous charity boxes; the responsibility lies with the state to remove unregulated donation boxes, identify those behind them and prosecute violators. While lists and public notifications are important, the fact that many outfits have survived by rebranding themselves, and continue their activities through charity fronts shows the absence of official resolve to enforce pledges. Visible and consistent enforcement is crucial to restore the state’s credibility, boost counterterrorism and make bans meaningful. Without decisive action, the ban will not work.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2026