Since October last, when the government showed the door to 18 international non- governmental organizations (INGOs) for no-compliance with registration rules, the issue has refused to die down. Las month, ambassadors of the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan and Switzerland issued a joint statement expressing "deep concerns over the way in which it [registration] has been implemented" and urged the government to find a way to avoid ending the activities of more INGOs. Responding to the concerns, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua held a briefing session on Wednesday with Islamabad based envoys. She explained that the cancellation or registration was in accord with the standards of due process as the right of appeal and opportunity to discuss contentious issues was provided to the INGOs in question. She also pointed out that as many as 74 such organizations were still freely operating in the country, contributing to several areas of priority to Pakistan.

Indeed, many INGOs have been rendering valuable services in important areas, such as healthcare, education, skill development, environment, and children and women's rights that have remained low on successive governments' priority list either due to paucity of funds or simply lack of interest. The government should not and does not have any objection to these undertakings. In fact, Janjua exhorted INGOs and donor countries to continue their good work in the fields of poverty alleviation, health, vocational education and training, science and technology, environmental protection disaster management as well as sports and culture. It is unclear though as to why some have had to pack up and go home. An unspoken reason seems to be a suspicion that their activities go against the national interest. Whatever the reason it needs to be clearly stated so all concerned, including civil society, know what the no-go areas might be.
That said, governments have a right to protect and promote what they deem to be in the best interest of their country. It is inconceivable, for instance, for an INGO to operate in any of the Western countries, Japan or Australia without following their policy guideline. As the Foreign Secretary explained, Pakistan's policy framework is guided by its national context, circumstances, needs and priorities. Its policy needs to be respected. But it is equally important that the registration mechanism is transparent, so those involved are not judged unfairly. It is good to note that both sides have agreed to remain engaged to address mutual concerns about registration and operation of INGOs in Pakistan.