Lahore, March 28 — A Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) fact-finding report warns that civic space in Punjab is narrowing, with new restrictions on rights-focused NGOs signaling a broader democratic backslide, The Express Tribune says. The report, titled ‘Regulation or Restriction?’, documents increasingly onerous approval requirements and administrative controls that have hindered civil-society work.
HRCP finds that organisations are now routinely required to sign mandatory memorandums of understanding with the Economic Affairs Division, obtain district-level no-objection certificates, secure security clearances, and re-register with the provincial charity commission. Those layered procedures have disrupted operations, and in some cases led to suspensions or closures of human-rights and pro-democracy initiatives.
Although courts have overturned the Economic Affairs Division’s 2022 policy, the report says the lack of a coherent, rights-respecting legal framework leaves wide discretionary powers with administrative bodies. State institutions are increasingly using lawful administrative tools to exert pressure — delaying approvals, freezing bank accounts, and subjecting organisations to repeated scrutiny. Rights-based groups report having to divert scarce funds to compliance, reduce programmes, or stop advocacy altogether.
Women-led organisations and groups serving religious and other minorities are highlighted as particularly exposed: they face amplified threats from non-state actors and receive limited institutional protection or recourse.
At a Lahore seminar launching the report, HRCP fact-finding member Zeeshan Nool said the gradual curtailment of civic freedoms through legal and policy instruments is a clear marker of democratic erosion. Fellow member Naseem Anthony warned these measures are also shrinking intellectual space. Advocate Saqib Jillani called for better coordination among lawyers challenging the 2022 policy, while activist Neelum Hussain urged organisations to sustain engagement and dialogue despite financial constraints.
The HRCP report recommends replacing ad hoc restrictions with a clear, rights-aligned legal framework to protect civic freedoms and ensure transparent, proportionate regulation of NGOs.
