How To Register NGO In Pakistan | Step by Step Guide

Several NGOs (Non-government organizations) work in third-world countries for social welfare. These organizations work in different domains, i.e., healthcare, education, charity, etc. This means of serving Society is also gaining popularity in Pakistan, and people are participating and contributing. If you are looking forward to working for social welfare and have opted to establish your non-profit organization, you are at the right place.

We are here to facilitate you throughout your organization's registration journey. We will start with your most basic question about registering an NGO in Pakistan, and we will guide you step by step in all dimensions.

So, Do not get confused. Follow the article till the end to know How to register NGO in Pakistan and register your organization without the hassle.

Which Type Of Registration Do You Need?

In Pakistan, you can decide the type of registration for your organization. There are two types of registration:

To register as a non-profit organization, you must register with the Ministry of Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal (SWB).
If you want to register as a charitable organization, you will register with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

How To Register NGO In Pakistan?

It is very convenient to register NGO, particularly in Pakistan. For registration, you must be familiar with respective departments, associated laws, documents you require, and procedures to follow ______ that's simple.

Procedure For Registration

After paying the fee and receiving a receipt, get a copy of the Model Constitution from the Deputy Director of Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal of the relevant district, along with the necessary application paperwork.

Applicants will then be directed to the appropriate Area Office.
Under the instructions, the area officer must go to the NGO's headquarters to prepare a feasibility report.
The area officer must present the registration case to the Deputy Director of Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal.
To offer a Special Recommendation and obtain approval from the Directorate General of Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal, Punjab, the concerned Deputy Director concerned shall also visit the NGO's office, prepare its report, and, if satisfied, recommend and forward the complete registration case to the concerned Divisional Director, Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal.
The concerned Divisional Director must review the application for NGO registration and, if satisfied, must provide a Special Recommendation to the NGO's members and transmit the application for approval to the Directorate General of Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal, Punjab. If unsatisfied, he may voice his concerns to the relevant Deputy Director.

Suppose the concerned Divisional Director wants to check the information about NGO members with the Special Branch of Police. In that case, they will instruct the concerned Deputy Director to submit the information about NGO members in the format specified and send it to the Directorate General of Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal, Punjab. If not, the registration case should be finished, and the information on NGO members should not be sent separately.
Deputy Director (NGOs) will review the paperwork and submit the case.
Director General, Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal, Punjab shall approve or disapprove the case for NOC based on reasons recorded in black and white.
On the Director General's approval, the Deputy Director (NGOs) issues the NOC and submits the entire registration case.
The concerned Deputy Director shall issue a registration certificate to NGO under the stipulated format.
Deputy Director shall send a copy of it, along with the registration case's verified documents, to the Divisional Director and the Deputy Director (NGOs) for record-keeping.

Documents Required For Registration

List of members
Financial statements (SECP)
Audited accounts (SECP)
Copy of by-laws

Proof of address
Copies of permits

Laws To Register NGOs In Pakistan

The laws for NGOs are different than the laws for Non-government organizations. The most significant laws are:

The Societies Registration Act of 1860
The Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance,1961
The Trust Act of 1882
The Companies Act, 2017

The Societies Registration Act,1860

Organizations registered under this act are charitable.
At least seven members are mandatory.
These organizations work for the promotion of science, literature, and fine arts.
They work for the maintenance of libraries, museums, etc.

The Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance,1961

It is an organization created voluntarily to provide social services in any field, including; child welfare, youth welfare, women's welfare etc
It depends on government aid and donations.

The Trust Act, 1882

A public charitable trust is created.
It can be either movable or immovable, temporary or permanent.

The Companies Act, 2017

It can be formed for the purpose of serving the public.
It can be formed for the mutual benefit of a certain group or class of people.
Its main objective is to promote art, science, religion, sports, social services, charity, or any other useful object.

Documents Required For Registeration Under Respective Acts

Sr	Acts	Documents Required For Registeration
1.	The Societies Registeration Act,1860	Memorandum of Association Articles of Association Attested CNIC copies of all members Memorandum of Association Correspondence email address Correspondence telephone Website address of Society. Application for registration on Letterhead accompanied Prescribed forms The office bearers list with mobile number Members list of Society Property papers or lease agreement
2.	The Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance,1961	Constitution of the Agency Form B signed Attested CNIC copies The 1st minute of meeting of the members Registered address of the Agency Correspondence email address Correspondence telephone Website of Agency. Letterhead of the Agency Office bearers list List of members Contact numbers of members Property papers
3.	The Trust Act, 1882	Trust deed Detail of properties, objectives & other details Particulars of documents Detail particulars of the trustees Detail particulars of the beneficiaries Ownership proof Documents to prove ownership of property.
4.	The Companies Act, 2017	Name Bank challan for registration Bank challan for license List of Promoters and their CNIC Detail of NGO Undertaking from each promoter Mission statement be done under Resume of promoters

Departments involved In The Process Of Registeration

State decides how much authority should be given to the NGO. Under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance 1961 the authority to administer and monitor the registration of NGO is granted to two departments, Which are as follows:

The Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education
The Provincial Social Welfare Department

In Karachi, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issues license to NGOs for registration. Though there are numerous NGOs in Pakistan which are working but not yet registered but its better to get your NGO registered to enjoy maximum benefits and to avoid inconvenience.