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How to register an NGO in Pakistan

How to register an NGO in Pakistan

An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a non-profit, voluntary organization that operates independently from the government and aims to promote social, economic, cultural, or environmental welfare. Registering an NGO in Pakistan requires complying with legal requirements and following specific procedures.

 

Step 1: Understanding the legal framework

Before registering an NGO in Pakistan, it is essential to understand the legal framework that governs the registration process. The relevant laws and regulations include:

The Societies Registration Act, 1860

The Trusts Act, 1882

The Companies Act, 2017

The Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961

Each law applies to a specific type of organization. For example, the Societies Registration Act, 1860 governs the registration of societies, while the Trusts Act, 1882 governs the registration of trusts. It is crucial to determine which law applies to your organization before proceeding with the registration process.

 

Step 2: Choosing the type of organization

The next step is to choose the type of organization you want to register. The most common types of organizations in Pakistan are:

Society:

A society is a non-profit organization that operates for the promotion of literary, scientific, or charitable purposes. A society can be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Example: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society.

Trust:

A trust is a legal arrangement where a person or organization holds property for the benefit of others. A trust can be registered under the Trusts Act, 1882.

Example: The Edhi Foundation.

Example: The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.

Voluntary Social Welfare Agency (VSWA):

A VSWA is a non-profit organization that operates for social welfare purposes. A VSWA can be registered under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961.

Example: The Akhuwat Foundation.

 

Step 3: Choosing a name

Once you have decided on the type of organization, the next step is to choose a name. The name should be unique and not similar to any other registered organization. You can check the availability of the name by conducting a name search on the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) website.

 

Step 4: Drafting the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)

The Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA) is a legal document that defines the objectives and rules of the organization. It includes information such as the name of the organization, the registered office address, the objectives of the organization, the composition of the governing body, and the rules for conducting meetings. The MOA/AOA must be drafted in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.

 

Step 5: Obtaining the Digital Signature and National Tax Number (NTN)

The next step is to obtain a Digital Signature and National Tax Number (NTN) for the proposed organization. The Digital Signature is required for online registration with the SECP, while the NTN is required for tax purposes. You can obtain the Digital Signature and NTN from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

 

Step 6: Registering with the SECP

The final step is to register the organization with the SECP. The registration process may vary depending on the type of organization. The general steps for registration are as follows:

Online Application:

The online application process can be initiated through the SECP eServices portal. The applicant will be required to provide details such as the name of the organization, the type of organization, the registered office address, and the details of the governing body.

Submission of Documents:

Once the online application is submitted, the applicant will be required to submit the following documents to the SECP:

  1. Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)
  2. Form A (Declaration of compliance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2017)
  3. Form 21 (Notice of situation of registered office of the company)
  4. Digital Signature of the applicant
  5. National Tax Number (NTN)

Verification and Approval:

The SECP will verify the submitted documents and may request additional information or documents if required. Once the verification process is completed, the SECP will issue a Certificate of Incorporation.

Registration with Other Authorities:

After obtaining the Certificate of Incorporation, the organization must register with other authorities, such as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Social Welfare Department, and the relevant regulatory authority (if applicable).

 

Conclusion:

Registering an NGO in Pakistan requires complying with legal requirements and following specific procedures. It is important to understand the legal framework that governs the registration process and choose the type of organization based on the objectives of the organization. The name of the organization must be unique, and the MOA/AOA must be drafted in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. Obtaining a Digital Signature and National Tax Number (NTN) is also mandatory. The registration process may vary depending on the type of organization, and it is important to follow the required steps and submit the necessary documents to the SECP. Once the registration is completed, the organization must register with other authorities as required by law.