ISLAMABAD, Feb 3: The government in collaboration with Charity Commission for UK would launch volunteer ‘Code of Ethics’ both for the government and the NGOs registration authorities by end of this month to develop a mutually agreeable new framework for the government-NGO relationship.

Talking to APP here Saturday, Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education, Zobaida Jalal said the prime objective is to reform the regulation process, improve the programme delivery financial transparency and non-sharing of registration details amongst provinces.

“A Code of Ethics will explain how the government will support, advise and regulate NGOs and how NGOs will be accountable for their activities,” Zobaida Jalal added.

Based on the input from the participating organizations, the Minister added that 2nd draft of the said code is prepared and opened for comments and suggestions from all the stakeholders. “Opinion poll can be accessed to and voted for on our dedicated website: www.ngos.gov.pk by February 15,” the Minister added.

The process of development of Code was made participatory. Over a period of one and a half year, a number of consultative meetings were held with more than 400 NGOs including an exclusive meeting with Wafaq-ul-Madaris. They assured their full support to the Code, she added.

Ms. Zobaida said the Ministry had taken a number of initiatives to bring the sector at par with international standards of good governance and best practices.

Efforts to streamline functioning of NGOs, she said that over 44,000 NGOs have been registered across the country working in the field of social welfare sector. However, it is estimated that the size of voluntary sector in the country comprises around one hundred thousand NGOs.

Zobaida Jalal said: “We have developed a publicly accessible database of NGOs which will enable local, national and international donors, beneficiaries, regulators and NGOs to learn and see where NGOs are located and operating and how they are using their resources.

The Minister encouraged NGOs and concerned to add their updated information about their latest development activities so that impact of the sector would be highlighted. She said the government attaches great importance to Civil Society’s work for the well being of the vulnerable segment of the society.—APP