ISLAMABAD: The US State Department on Tuesday urged Pakistan to reconsider its decision to suspend the licenses of several International Nongovernmental Organizations (INGOs) operating in the country forcing them to close shop.
“We encourage Pakistan to engage with all international partners who share their commitment to a bright future for Pakistan,” Heather Nauert, US State Department Spokesperson said in a statement.
Nauert said that Washington recognizes the vital role played by the INGOs in the country, in collaboration with Pakistani institutions, on causes ranging from disaster management to human and economic development, to promoting human rights and democratic values.
“These organizations, which also employ thousands of Pakistanis countrywide, share the government of Pakistan’s and the Pakistani people’s vision for a vibrant, healthy, democratic, and prosperous country,” the US official said.
She added that the US thanks these organizations and their employees for their contributions to Pakistan’s development. “In that context, the United States regrets that the government of Pakistan has required 18 INGOs, many of which have been working in Pakistan for many years, to close their operations in Pakistan,” the statement read.
Reacting to the statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry issued a press release on November 15 stating that the government had carefully reviewed the concerns being expressed about some of the INGOs’ working in Pakistan.
“Broadly, three concerns have been highlighted. One, there is a lack of clarity or insufficient information on the grounds for rejection. Secondly, the INGO registration process is non-transparent. Third, the decision on the closure of operations would somehow constrain the space for INGOs and civil society in Pakistan.”
However, the Foreign Ministry re-affirmed the government’s commitment to pursue an open and transparent INGO policy, which is underpinned by national laws, rules, and regulations. “Pakistan’s INGO policy framework is fully aligned with nationally determined development priorities and needs. We recognize and appreciate the assistance from the donor community and INGOs,” the Foreign Ministry statement read.
“As for the shrinking space, the evidence is contrary to assertions. Out of 141 that had applied for registration since October 2015, the applications of 74 INGOs have been approved which is more than 50% approval rate. These numbers do not count the applications of other INGOs which are being processed,” it added.
US urges Pakistan to reconsider its clampdown on aid agencies
US urges Pakistan to reconsider its clampdown on aid agencies
- Authorities reject registration applications filed by 18 INGOs
- Government says it is committed to pursuing an open and transparent policy
Pakistan PM invites UAE investment across tech and resource sectors at National Day event
- Shehbaz Sharif says the UAE remains a key economic partner and continues to lend ‘critical support’ to Pakistan
- UAE envoy says both nations have potential for cooperation in renewable energy, AI and economic diversification
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is ready to welcome investment from the United Arab Emirates across emerging technologies and resource sectors, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday, as both countries marked the 54th National Day of the Gulf country in Islamabad.
Speaking at the ceremony attended by senior ministers, diplomats and business leaders, Sharif said the UAE remained a key economic partner for Pakistan and continued to lend “critical support” to the country’s stabilizing economy.
“Pakistan takes great pride in its strategic partnership with the UAE, which continues to deepen across every domain of life,” he said. “With Pakistan’s economy stabilizing, we stand ready to welcome Emirati investment in renewable energy, AI, fintech, agriculture and minerals.”
Sharif praised the UAE’s leadership and recalled his earliest memories of the Gulf nation as “a land that believed in possibilities long before they became realities,” saying the country’s progress under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commanded “profound admiration.”
UAE Ambassador Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi said the Emirates was committed to strengthening ties with Pakistan in areas including the economy, energy and artificial intelligence.
He said the two countries shared a “deep-rooted friendship built on mutual respect, shared values and a common vision for regional peace and development.”
“We see tremendous potential for collaboration in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, sustainability and economic diversification,” the ambassador said, adding that the UAE aimed to broaden the scope of its economic relations with Pakistan.
The UAE hosts around 1.8 million Pakistani expatriates, one of the country’s largest overseas communities, who Sharif said contributed “tirelessly” to the Gulf state’s development.
Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also joined the UAE ambassador in a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.
