Punjab Home Department has released a list of banned organizations and unregistered charitable institutions, urging citizens not to donate to any entity that is not registered with the Punjab Charity Commission. According to the department, providing financial aid to banned outfits involved in terrorism or anti-state activities is a punishable offense under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.

Officials have stressed that charitable donations should only go to verified and registered organizations to ensure they reach the right beneficiaries rather than being misused. The Home Department reiterated that all charitable institutions in Punjab must be registered with the Punjab Charity Commission to operate legally.

Citizens are advised to verify organizations before donating to prevent funds from reaching extremist groups. The Punjab government has identified several banned organizations, including: Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Al-Qaeda, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamic Movement of Pakistan, Hizb ut-Tahrir, Jundallah, and Jamaat-ud-Dawa. 

Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), United Baloch Army, Sindhudesh Liberation Army, and other separatist groups. Multiple welfare and charity trusts suspected of links to extremist activities. The Punjab Home Department has urged citizens to ensure their Zakat, donations, and charity reach legitimate organizations to prevent their misuse for illegal or extremist activities.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)