Pakistan, on Saturday, banned outlawed organisations from collecting Fitrana and Zakat. According to news sources, the government imposed a ban on 75 banned groups from collecting donations during the upcoming holy month of Ramazan.
It may be pertinent to mention here that extending financial assistance to the outlawed groups in the name of charity has been made a punishable offence under the law. Any person violating the relevant laws could receive a10-year-sentence as well as fine by a court of law.
According to a media report, people in Pakistan donate up to $4.5 billion annually to help the poor and needy in the name of charity.
Last year, the authorities announced a program to prevent banned militant groups from getting hands on billions of rupees in public donations and charities. Several such groups had then started their campaigns in different areas; calling for Zakat and Fitrana donations in the name of the poor. Similarly this year, the government has pledged to take strict action against any such outlawed organisation found collecting donations.
The authorities urge citizens to ensure that the charity groups they are donating to have not been banned by the government.