ISLAMABAD, July 16: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Monday granted licences to nine non-profit associations under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984, from April to June, 2012.

Out of these nine licences, four associations were granted licences in the healthcare sector, three in social services sector, and one each in media and education sector.

In the healthcare sector, Pakistan Life Saving Foundation has been formed to promote and undertake lifesaving activities while the Cancer Foundation has been set up to establish hospitals and healthcare centres for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer. Amirunnisa Rashida Khanum Charitable Medical Foundation has been formed to work towards provision of medical facilities for the poor and under-privileged members of society.

The Sleep Research Foundation has been formed to promote, assist and finance research related to sleep and its disorders.

In the social services sector, Indus Crafts Foundation intends to revitalize the traditional hand-made crafts of Pakistan, while Dabistan-e-Iqbal has been established to promote understanding about Allama Iqbal’s works, philosophy and message.

Developmental Initiative and Empowerment Axis has been formed to provide a platform for social, cultural, health and education, and economic empowerment.

In the education sector, the HKS Foundation has been formed to establish and promote educational institutions.

In media, Power 99 Foundation has been set up to work for the promotion of the electronic and print media.