Rights activists ask govt to stop action against INGOs.

Byline: Shazia Hasan

KARACHI -- 'International non-governmental organisations (INGOs) also support Pakistan's development agenda and progress towards meeting sustainable development goals, therefore, the civil society urges the government to immediately withdraw the de-registration letters issued to INGOs,' said Karamat Ali, executive director of the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (Piler).

He was addressing a joint press conference called by human rights activists and civil society members at the Karachi Press Club on Friday to share their concerns about 'shrinking space for discourse on fundamental rights'.

They urged the government to ensure provision of all rights without any discrimination.

All participants were of the view that arbitrary laws, many originating from the colonial era that curb freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association must be reassessed.

'Pakistan's civil society in recent years has come under increasing pressure for its work on fundamental freedoms. Not only have the members of civil society faced curbs on their operations, there have also been threats to the lives, security and well-being of those involved in any activity related to the advancement of democratic cause and fundamental freedoms,' he said.

'Pakistan's civil society comprising human rights defenders, political workers, NGOs, academics, student bodies, media persons, trade unionists and other professionals have worked together as a force to protect democracy, advocate fundamental rights and advance delivery of essential services of health and education while empowering millions of individuals and households by spreading awareness of skills and economic benefits,' he said.

'It has been a partner in the country's development and has made critical contributions to Pakistan's political, economic and cultural foundations by assisting the government with work in the development sector to improve lives of people and also voice concerns over violations of fundamental rights,' he added.

'The civil society in Pakistan and around the world endorses greater transparency and accountability at various levels and welcomes initiatives to refine laws and policies in order to meet challenges of the modern era. But recently, there have been a series of actions by the state and non-state actors targeting different sections of civil society, particularly the non-governmental sector by discrediting their work, initiating malicious...