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
UK announces ‘major reset’ of Pakistan development partnership with new trade, climate, education initiatives
- UK commits to increased investment-led cooperation in climate, business regulation and higher education
- London shifts from aid donor to investment-focused partner as bilateral trade crosses $7.3 billion
ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom on Wednesday unveiled what it called a “major reset” in its development partnership with Pakistan, announcing new investment-focused cooperation, education programs and a bilateral climate compact during a visit by UK Minister for Development Jennifer Chapman.
The trip marks the first federal-level development dialogue between the two governments in eight years and reflects London’s shift from a traditional aid-donor role toward investment-based partnerships. The British government said the new approach aims to use UK expertise to help partner economies build capacity and unlock domestic growth.
Pakistan-UK trade has also reached a record high, crossing £5.5 billion ($7.3 billion) for the first time, with more than 200 British firms now active in Pakistan, an increase London says signals growing two-way commercial confidence.
“Pakistan is a crucial partner for the UK. We work together to tackle the drivers behind organized crime and illegal migration, keeping both our countries safer,” Chapman was quoted as saying in a statement by the British High Commission in Islamabad.
“Our strong bilateral trading relationship brings jobs and growth to us both. And we’re working together to tackle climate change, a global threat.”
The minister and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday jointly launched a package of business regulatory reforms aimed at improving Pakistan’s investment climate and making it easier for UK firms to operate. Officials said the initiative supports Pakistan’s economic recovery agenda and creates new commercial avenues for British companies.
A second key announcement was the next phase of the Pak-UK Education Gateway, developed with the British Council and Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission. The expanded program will enable joint research between universities in both countries, support climate- and technology-focused academic collaboration, and introduce a startup fund to help commercialize research. The Gateway will also promote UK university courses delivered inside Pakistan, giving students access to British degrees without traveling abroad.
Accompanied by Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik, Chapman also launched a Green Compact, a framework for climate cooperation, green investment, environmental protection and joint work at global climate forums.
The UK emphasized it remains one of Pakistan’s largest development partners, citing ongoing work in education, health, climate resilience and anti-trafficking capacity building.
During the visit to Pakistan, Chapman will meet communities benefiting from UK-supported climate programs, which London says helped 2.5 million Pakistanis adapt to climate impacts in the past year, and observe training of airport officers working to prevent human trafficking.
“We remain firm friends of Pakistan, including in times of crisis, as shown through our floods response,” Chapman said. “And we know to accelerate growth in both our countries, we must work together in partnership to tackle the problems we face.”
