Home Secretary inaugurates Punjab Charities Commission headquarters

LAHORE, Jul 11 (APP): Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi inaugurated the headquarters of the Punjab Charities Commission, here on Saturday.

Following the inauguration, the Home Secretary toured various sections of the newly established office, equipped with modern facilities, and met members of the commission’s newly recruited team.

Chief Executive Officer Colonel Shehzad Ameer briefed him on the commission’s performance, future plans and regulatory framework.

The meeting was informed that the commission was providing guidance and advisory services to charitable organisations, their trustees and staff, while establishing an effective system for oversight and accountability of charities, their administrators and beneficiaries. Officials said an efficient audit management system had been developed for NGOs, enabling the commission to conduct inquiries and audits in cases of suspicious activities. They added that fundraising permissions of organisations violating the law could also be revoked.

Addressing the officials, Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said establishing a peaceful and harmonious society remained the Punjab government’s top priority, adding that strong relations between the government and civil society based on trust, transparency and cooperation were essential. He said the Punjab Charities Commission was working to maintain public confidence in charitable institutions.

The Home Secretary said registration with the Punjab Charities Commission was mandatory for all charitable organisations operating in the province and stressed that the commission’s capacity was being enhanced to improve regulatory oversight.

He urged officials to safeguard the rights and interests of charitable organisations and deserving beneficiaries, describing public service as an act of worship. He also directed all charitable organisations to ensure strict compliance with laws governing the utilisation of charity funds and instructed the commission to launch weekly webinar sessions to guide NGOs on legal procedures related to establishing and operating charitable organisations.