ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has denied that action has been revoked against any non-governmental organization (NGO) but held in abeyance.
His remarks came in apparent reference to the international aid organisation ‘Save the Children’ which operations in Pakistan was halted as per the directive of the interior ministry on June 11 for its alleged involvement in anti-state activities. But later the ministry suspended its own orders to shut down the NGO.
“The competent authority has desired that action on above letter [to seal the charity] may be held in abeyance till further orders,” said a confidential memo issued by the interior ministry on June 12.
Talking to media in Islamabad, Chaudhry Nisar said that the issue will be held in abeyance until the finalization of a strategy to clean up NGOs working against the national interests.
The minister said that a committee set up by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is to draw a strategy to regulate all the NGOs, operating in Pakistan according to the Constitution and the agreed parameters between the government and the NGOs.
Nisar said that action would be taken against those NGOs which are working against national interest.
Earlier on Monday, the prime minister directed the high level inter-ministerial committee to review laws and regulations regarding accreditation and operations conditions for foreign NGOs working in Pakistan.
The prime minister also directed the committee to present a report at the earliest.
