Lahore [Pakistan], March 28 (ANI): A fact-finding report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has raised alarm over shrinking civic space in Punjab, warning that rising restrictions on rights-based NGOs signal democratic regression in Pakistan, The Express Tribune reported.
Titled “Regulation or Restriction?”, the report says NGOs now face complex approval processes, including signing mandatory memorandums of understanding with the Economic Affairs Division, obtaining district-level no-objection certificates, securing security clearances, and re-registering with the provincial charity commission.
The findings show these requirements have significantly hampered NGO operations, leading to suspensions or shutdowns of several human rights and democracy initiatives. Although courts have provided some relief—striking down the Economic Affairs Division’s 2022 policy—the absence of a comprehensive, rights-aligned legal framework leaves administrative bodies with wide discretionary powers.
The report also notes that state institutions are increasingly using administrative mechanisms, within legal limits, to pressure civil society: delaying approvals, freezing bank accounts, and subjecting organisations to repeated scrutiny. Such tactics have disproportionately affected rights-based groups, forcing many to divert resources to compliance, scale back activities, or abandon advocacy.
Women-led organisations and groups serving minorities are especially vulnerable, facing heightened threats from non-state actors and lacking sufficient institutional support.
At a Lahore seminar launching the report, fact-finding mission member Zeeshan Nool said the steady erosion of civic freedoms through legal and policy tools is a clear indicator of democratic decline. Fellow member Naseem Anthony warned these developments are constricting intellectual space.
Advocate Saqib Jillani urged better coordination among lawyers challenging the 2022 policy, while Neelum Hussain stressed that despite financial constraints, organisations must continue dialogue and engagement. (ANI)
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