Federal govt halts working of Tobacco-Free Kids, another int’l NGO

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has taken strict action against two international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) over several violations.

The Ministry of Interior has ordered the suspension of activities of two NGOs — Tobacco-Free Kids and Vital Strategies — across the country.

The Interior Ministry has decided to close both NGOs and has written a letter to the Home Department of all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan in this regard.

The letter, signed by the Deputy Secretary (IC & FATF), has also instructed the Chief Minister Islamabad to halt the activities of the aforementioned NGOs in the federal capital jurisdiction.

The ministry has also written to the State Bank of Pakistan, instructing it to freeze the bank accounts of Tobacco-Free Kids and Vital Strategies.

As per the letter, a copy of which is available with Daily Ausaf, both organisations were operating in the country without permission and any valid registration of the Interior Ministry.

Both entities were also not registered with the Economic Affairs Division and Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the letter read.

The letter further confirmed that the action may be taken as per the rules and policies under intimation of the Interior Ministry.

Sources said that both NGOs were working for years in the country with the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination.