ISLAMABAD: Plan International, an independent development and humanitarian organisation has shut its operations in Pakistan after more than two decades of its work in the country, in pursuance of the government’s orders.

In a letter, the interior ministry instructed Plan International to wind up operations within 60 days. The letter was in response to an appeal filed by the organisation in December 2017 after its registration application was turned down.

However, the government directive says that Plan International can re-apply for registration with a new memorandum of understanding after six months.

In a statement, the humanitarian organisation says it will continue to take a keen interest in Pakistan, particularly on development issues that affect marginalised populations. “We remain optimistic about our return to the country one day, so we can restart our work with vulnerable children, especially girls,” the statement says.

Plan International started operations in Pakistan in 1997 and was supporting over 1.6 million children across the country through its various programmes. At the time of closure, the organisation had over 25,000 sponsored children in the country and an operating budget of more than 8.3 million euros with 202 full-time staff.

During more than two decades of operations in Pakistan, Plan International invested 160 million euros in its work which directly benefited 26 million people in over 29,000 communities, according to the NGO.

A few months ago, another international NGO, ‘Actionaid’ was ordered to close its offices in Pakistan, and was told to re-apply for registration in six months’ time. More than a dozen of international aid groups have already been asked to wind up their operations and leave the country.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2018