Islamabad: Recent amendments by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) have clarified the registration and oversight of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) in Pakistan, specifying that the Ministry of Interior remains the sole authority responsible for their registration, not the SECP. This move aims to streamline regulatory processes and ensure that INGOs comply with national policies without overlap.

According to Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan announcement issued on 23 August 2024, the changes were encapsulated in SRO 1221(I)/2024, integrated into the Companies Regulations 2024. These amendments are intended to eliminate confusion regarding the authority overseeing INGO operations in Pakistan, which has been the Ministry of Interior since the introduction of the INGO policy on October 2, 2015. The SECP’s updates reinforce this structure, ensuring that all registration and monitoring responsibilities are clearly defined under the Ministry’s jurisdiction, thereby simplifying the regulatory environment and protecting public interests.