Nisar directs to establish robust INGO Facilitation Cell

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Thursday directed to establish a robust International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) Facilitation Cell in the ministry with technical support of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

Almost 70 INGOs had been granted approval under the new registration policy framework, a press release said.

Chairing a high level meeting here, the minister termed the registration a 'landmark achievement' and directed the ministry to expeditiously process the pending applications of the INGOs.

Among others the meeting was attended by secretary interior, advocate general, chairman NADRA, chief commissioner, senior police, FIA and interior ministry's officials.

"We will welcome INGOs to operate freely and independently in Pakistan, let me also make it very clear that now there would absolutely be no margin or space for any INGO to misuse its permission. We would not allow anyone to work against our national security interests under the facade of INGO," the minister said.

On the issue of Pakistan Origin Card (POC) for the foreigners especially those married to Pakistani nationals, Chaudhry Nisar directed NADRA to start work on provision of new card to the foreigners who had Pakistani spouses to facilitate their residence within the country.

He also imposed a ban on NADRA for renting new property and building for offices saying, "This is an avenue of corruption and misappropriation."

He also reviewed the policy framework of NADRA to engage the provincial governments in establishment of NADRA owned permanent infrastructure for provision of its services to citizens in each province.

The minister also approved collaboration between NADRA and Pakistan Post under which post offices would be improved and NADRA facilities would be provided in the building of them

As a first step under the project, 10 post offices, two each in the urban and rural areas of the four provinces and Azad Jammu and Kashmir would be engaged for provision of NADRA services in the initial phase.

After completion of test and evaluation period, the project would be further expanded and 1500 postal offices across the country especially in the far flung and rural areas would be equipped for provision of NADRA facilities.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2017