The Punjab Home Department on Friday issued a list of proscribed organisations and unregistered charitable institutions, warning citizens that providing any kind of financial assistance to banned outfits is a punishable offence under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
According to a spokesperson, citizens have been urged not to give Zakat, charity or donations to unregistered and proscribed organisations, as aiding entities involved in terrorism and anti-state activities would invite strict legal action. He stressed that all charitable organisations operating in Punjab must be registered with the Punjab Charity Commission (PCC).
The spokesperson advised the public to ensure that their donations reach deserving beneficiaries instead of falling into the hands of banned groups, adding that registered organisations could be verified through the QR code printed on their certificates. Citizens were also encouraged to donate only to institutions duly registered with the PCC.
He said the list of proscribed organisations included Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-i-Muhammad Pakistan, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Al-Rehmat Trust, Al-Furqan Trust, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan, Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan, Tahrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammad, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Balochistan Liberation Army, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, ISIS, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and several other banned entities and affiliated trusts.
The spokesperson added that the complete list of proscribed organisations was also available on the websites of the Punjab Home Department and NACTA. He urged citizens to report fraud, terrorism-related or anti-state activities of any organisation to the department.
He further said that information regarding fundraising by banned outfits could be reported on toll-free number 0800-11111 or helpline 042-99213871, while verification of registered charities could be obtained round the clock through the Punjab Charity Commission’s WhatsApp number 0313-4995564.