Pakistan shuts down action aid oxfam other ngos

You're referring to the recent developments in Pakistan!

Yes, it's true that Pakistan has taken steps to restrict the activities of several international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including ActionAid, Oxfam, and others.

In November 2020, the Pakistani government announced that it would be reviewing the licenses of over 100 NGOs, including those working on humanitarian and development projects, citing concerns over their activities and alleged links to foreign intelligence agencies.

The move was seen as a significant crackdown on the NGO sector in Pakistan, with many organizations expressing concerns over the impact on their work and the people they serve.

Some of the reasons cited by the government for the crackdown include:

  1. Allegations of mismanagement and misuse of funds by some NGOs.
  2. Concerns over the involvement of NGOs in political activities and propaganda.
  3. Allegations of links between some NGOs and foreign intelligence agencies.

The affected NGOs include:

  1. ActionAid Pakistan: A global humanitarian organization working on issues like poverty, inequality, and human rights.
  2. Oxfam Pakistan: A humanitarian organization working on issues like disaster response, poverty reduction, and human rights.
  3. Save the Children Pakistan: A global organization working on issues like child protection, education, and health.
  4. CARE Pakistan: A humanitarian organization working on issues like disaster response, poverty reduction, and women's empowerment.
  5. World Vision Pakistan: A Christian humanitarian organization working on issues like child protection, education, and health.

The restrictions imposed by the government include:

  1. Suspension of licenses for some NGOs, effectively shutting down their operations.
  2. Restrictions on the movement and activities of NGO staff.
  3. Increased scrutiny and monitoring of NGO finances and operations.

The move has been widely criticized by human rights organizations, civil society groups, and international donors, who argue that it will have a negative impact on the lives of millions of people in Pakistan who rely on these organizations for essential services.

The Pakistani government has defended the move, saying it is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in the NGO sector.

The situation remains fluid, and it's unclear what the long-term implications will be for the affected NGOs and the people they serve.