Punjab warns against providing financial support to banned outfits

The Punjab Home Ministry on Friday issued a list of banned organizations and unregistered charities and warned citizens that providing any form of financial assistance to banned outfits was a punishable offense under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

According to a statement by the Punjab Home Ministry spokesperson, citizens were urged not to give Zakat, charity or donations to unregistered and banned organizations as aid units involved in terrorism and anti-government activities would invite strict legal action.

He emphasized that all charities operating in Punjab must be registered with the Punjab Charity Commission (PCC).

The spokesman advised the public to ensure that their donations reached deserving recipients instead of falling into the hands of banned groups, adding that registered organizations could be verified through the QR code printed on their certificates.

Citizens were also urged to donate only to institutions duly registered with the PCC.

He said the list of banned organizations included Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-i-Muhammad Pakistan, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Al-Rehmat Trust, Al-Furqan Trust, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan, Tahariaazrik-e-Nifhamad-e-Nifhamad. Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Balochistan Liberation Army, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Islamic State, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and several other banned entities and associated trusts.

The spokesman added that the complete list of banned organizations was also available on the websites of Punjab Home Department and NACTA.

He urged citizens to report fraud, terrorism-related or anti-government activities of any organization to the department.

He further said that information on fundraising of banned clothes could be reported on the toll-free number 0800-11111 or helpline 042-99213871, while verification of registered charities could be obtained round the clock through Punjab Charity Commission’s WhatsApp number 0313-4995564.