The Federal Government has exempted local NGOs from signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Economic Affairs Division (EAD) in an effort to support flood affectees in Pakistan.
Earlier, a requirement of signing an MoU was mandatory for all non-governmental organizations working on country’s disaster management. However, the new rules have been issued as a result of hard work and commitment to give a helping hand during this disaster.
According to the official memorandum issued by EAD, the government exempted all local NGOs receiving foreign contributions, that had filed applications for processing with EAD, from signing of MoU with EAD to utilize foreign economic assistance to conduct and continue flood relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in the flood affected areas across Pakistan, for a period not exceeding six 6 months, i.e. from 5th August 2022 till 4th February 2023.
The above exemption will not applicable to those NGOs who have regretted projects or blacklisted earlier.
Furthermore, the memo highlighted that the exemption shall be withdrawn if an NGO is found involved in illegal activities which includes but is not limited to money laundering, working against the national security interests of Pakistan or assisting/abetting any illegal, nationally or internationally banned organizations.