LAHORE, Oct 18 (APP):Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi has chaired the 26th meeting of the Punjab Charities Commission, which reviewed measures to strengthen monitoring of charitable organizations and NGOs, ensure financial transparency and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. The meeting held here on Sunday was briefed that the commission was in regular contact with 8,345 NGOs operating in Punjab and was implementing a province-wide programme to build …
Punjab Charities Commission reviews NGO monitoring, financial transparency
LAHORE, Oct 18 (APP):Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi has chaired the 26th meeting of the Punjab Charities Commission, which reviewed measures to strengthen monitoring of charitable organizations and NGOs, ensure financial transparency and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
The meeting held here on Sunday was briefed that the commission was in regular contact with 8,345 NGOs operating in Punjab and was implementing a province-wide programme to build their capacity and improve compliance with relevant laws.
Secretary Housing and Punjab Charities Commission Commissioner Noor-ul-Amin Mengal attended the meeting online, while Punjab Charities Commission Commissioner Dr Usama Siddiq was also present. Chief Executive Officer Col Shahzad Amir briefed participants on the commission’s performance and future plans.
The meeting was informed that NGOs were being trained to identify and prevent risks associated with money laundering and terrorist financing. An audit management system had also been introduced to promote transparency in charitable organizations and prevent their misuse for illegal activities.
The commission had established mechanisms to monitor charitable organizations, their administrators and beneficiaries, while ensuring accountability in the use of charitable funds. In cases of suspected irregularities, the relevant organization was subjected to an inquiry and audit, the meeting was told.
The participants were further informed that the commission could revoke an organization’s fund raising authorization in case of a violation of the law. Guidance, training and consultation were also being provided to charitable organizations, trustees and staff to improve compliance.
The Punjab Charities Commission was using an integrated system, including a chatbot and a risk-based assessment framework, to guide charitable organizations and facilitate regulatory compliance. The meeting also reviewed inquiries and enforcement actions against NGOs found violating the law.
Addressing the meeting, Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said the establishment of a peaceful and harmonious society was a top priority of the Punjab government. He emphasized that all charitable organizations operating in Punjab were required to register with the Punjab Charities Commission, adding that mutual trust, transparency and cooperation between the government and civil society were essential.
The home secretary said the commission was working to maintain public confidence in charitable organizations and was responsible for protecting the rights and interests of both charities and their intended beneficiaries. He directed all charitable organizations to ensure strict compliance with the law in the utilization of charitable funds and called on the commission to continue facilitating and guiding them while effectively discharging its regulatory responsibilities.
