Punjab charities commission introduces measures to enhance NGO oversight and transparency

The Punjab Charities Commission has introduced a series of new measures aimed at improving the oversight, transparency

LAHORE, August 31: The Punjab Charities Commission has introduced a series of new measures aimed at improving the oversight, transparency and accountability of charitable organizations across the province and strengthening public confidence in the non-governmental sector.

The decisions were taken during the 25th meeting of the Punjab Charities Commission, chaired by Secretary Home Punjab Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi at the Commission’s headquarters in Lahore. Secretary Housing and Commissioner Punjab Charities Commission Noor-ul-Amin Mengal participated in the meeting online, while Commissioner Punjab Charities Commission Dr. Osama Siddique also attended. Chief Executive Officer Col. Shahzad Amir briefed the participants on the Commission’s performance, ongoing initiatives and future plans.

During the meeting, officials informed the participants that the Punjab Charities Commission had developed a chatbot to provide timely information and guidance to non-governmental organizations and members of the public. The digital facility will enable citizens to obtain immediate responses to their queries concerning charitable organizations. The meeting approved the launch of the chatbot on the official website of the Punjab Charities Commission.

The Secretary Home directed officials to ensure that all charitable organizations registered with the Board of Revenue, Industries Department and Social Welfare Department are uploaded onto the Commission’s online portal without delay. The initiative is intended to improve access to information and strengthen the monitoring of charitable organizations operating across Punjab.

According to the briefing, the Punjab Charities Commission is maintaining regular engagement with 8,113 NGOs currently operating in the province. The Commission is providing guidance, training and consultation to charitable organizations, trustees and their staff. Officials said that training for 1,500 NGOs has recently been completed, while weekly webinar sessions have also been introduced to provide organizations with continued guidance on regulatory and operational matters.

The meeting was further informed about the Commission’s collaboration with NGOs on several social welfare initiatives. Work is underway with charitable organizations to support the Drug-Free Punjab campaign. In addition, 25 NGOs have been mobilized to assist in the campaign against the Vagrant Mafia and provide support to genuinely deserving individuals.

More than 20 NGOs are working across 10 cities to assist people affected by floods. The Commission has also established a monitoring and accountability mechanism covering charitable organizations, organizers and beneficiaries to ensure that charitable activities are carried out transparently and in accordance with the law.

Officials also highlighted the development of an audit management system for NGOs. Under the mechanism, organizations involved in suspicious activities may be subjected to inquiry and audit. In cases where legal violations are established, the authorization granted to an organization to collect donations may also be cancelled.

Speaking at the meeting, Secretary Home Punjab Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi said that establishing a peaceful and harmonious society remains a key priority of the Punjab government. He emphasized that registration with the Punjab Charities Commission is mandatory for all charitable organizations operating in the province.

He stressed the importance of developing a relationship between the government and civil society based on mutual trust, transparency and cooperation. He added that protecting public confidence, as well as safeguarding the rights and interests of charitable organizations and their beneficiaries, is an important responsibility of the Commission.

The Secretary Home directed all charitable organizations to ensure strict compliance with the law, particularly in the utilization and management of charitable funds.