Representatives of civil society organisation have voiced concern over the proposed foreign contribution bill, what they termed the legislation serious threat to the existing of human rights and welfare organisations in the country.
Addressing a press conference, organised by Civil Society Network, a group of various non-governmental organisations at press club, here on Monday, Qamar Naseem, a civil society activist, said that the proposed legislation will be a serious threat to the existence of small and medium size organisations, adding that all NGOs in the country do not have equal capacity and resources.
He demanded that the draft of the proposed bill be scrapped forthwith and civil society be engaged to explore the need and possibility of strengthening the existing laws, regulatory and monitoring framework.
Naseem fully supported the transparency and accountability by the state departments and civil society actors. However, he stressed the need for meaningful engagement between relevant government departments and civil society representatives in order to address concerns of both sides.
He has expressed grave concern over relentless vilification and targeting of civil society organisations and intimidation of human rights defenders by federal government officials. He emphasised on the positive contribution of independent, diverse and pluralistic civil society to peace, security, sustainable development and human rights.