Registration of NGO and NPO

Registration of NGO/NPO in Pakistan

Non-profit organizations strive to improve society. A separate type of organization’s registration process is determined by each law, therefore picking the right registration process is crucial. Do you intend to formally register the NGO? If so, the specialists at Ebridge will assist you in choosing the best option and with the online NGO registration process.

How can we assist you?

If you want to start an NGO or NPO in Pakistan, it depends on the donors as well as the association, society, or organization’s aim, object, and scope. Ebridge has considerable expertise registering NGO, NPO, and Trusts in Pakistan and can legally assist you in selecting the best entity for your goals as well as in registering and establishing your entity in a hassle-free manner so you can concentrate on more important business-related matters.

Laws and Regulations to Register NGO/NPO in Pakistan 

The regulations governing an NGO’s operations, organizational structure, and registration differ from those governing for-profit organizations in Pakistan. NGOs can be registered under several laws and operate in accordance with the various rules outlined in those laws. The following are the many laws that an NGO may register under in Pakistan:

1. The Companies Act, 2017
2. The Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance, 1961
3. The Societies Registration Act, 1860
4. The Trust Act, 1882

The Companies Act, 2017

An organization created with the intention of benefiting the public or a particular group or class of people in general. The primary goals of such a corporation, as necessary, are to advance trade, the arts, sciences, religion, sports, social services, charitable causes, or any other useful endeavor, and they aim to do so by using any earnings or other sources of income.

To register for non-profit association under Act 2017:

Step 1: Obtain license from SECP 

Applications can be processed both online and offline, but SECP encourages online application submission and offers a 50% filing fee discount to anyone applying online.

Step 2: Apply for registering the association

Details of members, a resume outlining their experience, etc., must be given to SECP.

Documents Required

• Request the availability of a name
• Bank challan of 25,000 rupees for license and 25,000 rupees for registration
• List of the Association’s Promoters together with their complete bios
• Scanned Promoters’ Cnic
• Information on the NGO and other organizations where the promoter currently or formerly held a role
• commitment from each promoter to pay the Association’s initial donation
• A minimum of three promoters are required, and they must possess the knowledge, resources, and capabilities necessary to carry out the objectives of the proposed organization
• Statement of the company’s work to be done and its mission
• Give an estimate or projection of future earnings
• CV of the promoters

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

The Volunteer Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961, governs the registration of voluntary social welfare agencies. It provides welfare services in one or more of the following areas:

• Child welfare
• Youth welfare
• Women welfare
• Welfare for mentally and physically handicapped
• Family planning
• Recreational activities designed to deter people from engaging in antisocial behavior
• Social education aimed at instilling in people a sense of responsibility
• Welfare and rehabilitation of released prisoners
• Welfare of juvenile delinquents
• Welfare of the socially handicapped
• Welfare of the beggars and destitute
• Welfare and rehabilitation of patients
• Welfare of the aged and infirm
• Training in social work
• Coordination of social welfare agencies

Documents Required

• The constitution of the Agency
• Form B signed
• Attested CNIC copies of all members
• The first minute of the Agency members’ meeting, along with its registered address, website, email address, and a phone number for correspondence
• Agency letterhead with a stamp and a seal
• List of office holders with phone numbers
• List of the general body’s members, together with their phone numbers, and active email addresses
• Documents pertaining to property or a contract for the office space

The Societies Registration Act, 1860

Societies which are registered under this act are charitable societies. A minimum of seven (7) members must join. These societies work in areas of:

• Promotion of science, literature, or fine arts
• Instruction and diffusion of useful knowledge (political education)
• Foundation or maintenance of libraries
• Reading rooms for general use
• Public museums 
• Galleries of painting and works of art
• Collections of natural history
• Mechanical and philosophical inventions, instruments, or designs

Documents Required

• The Association’s Memorandum
• The Articles of the Association
• All organization members’ CNIC copies
• The first minute of the society members’ meeting
• Society’s registered address, correspondence email, correspondence phone, and website address.
• Application for registration must be made on letterhead and include the required forms, which are on hand at the Registrar Societies’ office
• List of office holders, each of whom has signed their mobile number
• List of the Society’s members, together with their contact information and active email addresses
• Documents pertaining to property or a contract for the office space

The Trust Act, 1882

A public charitable trust may be established for the general good of society or for the benefit of particular groups within it.

the purpose of a trust is deemed to be lawful unless it is 

(a) prohibited by law

(b) of a nature that, if permitted, would defeat the provisions of any law

(c) fraudulent

(d) involves or implies injury to the person or property of another

(e) is deemed by the Court to be immoral or against public policy

Documents Required 

• Trust deed providing information about the trust’s properties, goals, and other characteristics
• Information about the paperwork that established the trust
• Trustees’ and beneficiaries’ personal information
• Ownership proof 

What are the benefits of Online NGO Registrations

• Avails Tax Exemption
• Right To Acquire Assets
• No Minimum Share Capital Requirement
• Protection From Personal Liability
• Transfer Of Ownership
• Corporate Entity
• Exemption On Stamp Duty
• Structured Financial Plan
• Stability Of Entity
• Perpetual Succession
• Admission To Credit
• Name Preservation
• Opening Bank Account