Pakistan's HRCP Condemns Restrictions on NGOs, Cites Democratic Decline

• Pakistan's Human Rights Commission (HRCP) expresses concern over restrictions on NGOs and public voices in Punjab province.
• HRCP report 'Regulation or Restriction?' highlights government's restrictive laws undermining civil society organizations.
• NGOs face complex multi-level approval processes, including EAD MOUs, district-level NOCs, and security clearances.
• Mandatory re-registration under Provincial Charity Commission further hinders NGOs, leading to program suspensions.
• Women-led organizations and minority groups are disproportionately affected, facing threats from state and non-state actors.