NGO Registration in Pakistan

NGO Registration in Pakistan is now a extensively used word “denoting” for registration of societies, trusts, non-profit companies, organizations, associations, educational societies etc. Working for the welfare, development and progress of people and in a way supplement similar functions of the state like Pakistan and hence, called as Non-Government Organizations (NGOs).

NGO may be defined as association having a definite cultural, educational, economical, religious or social association organization. They are not owned by any one and cannot distribute profits as such. Whatever profits they may earn from economic activities are reinvested or spent on appropriate non-profit activities. The typical sources of revenue or non-governmental organizations are donations, membership fees, interest and dividends on investments.

NGO organizations operate with their own fund and with the funds raised through its volunteers or through donation for a social cause.

What are benefits of registering an NGO?

• Registered NGOs obtain legal status in order to enable them to interact at the official level, and among donors and other organizations. Members are able to represent the organization,
• NGO can open a bank account in the name of the organization, or sign contracts in the name of the organization.
• A registered NGO can also qualify for financial assistance from government agencies and local, national and international donors.
• Recognition to the society at all forums and before all authorities.
• Obtaining registration and approvals under Income Tax Act for availing Exemption of Income Tax.

Other benefits that are believed to flow from registration are guidance and help from relevant registration authorities, contract funds and support from the relevant departments, tax exemption from certain incomes, training opportunities, technical assistance, and concessions when obtaining vehicles, equipment and commodities. However these benefits are not uniformly spread across all types of registration, nor are all NGOs are able to claim them.

There are four main registration laws:

• The Societies Registration Act of 1860.
• The Trusts Act, 1882.
• The Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) (VSWA) Ordinance, 1961.
• The Companies Ordinance, 1984.