Govt tightens INGOs registration rules

The federal government has tightened tax registration requirements for international non-governmental and non-profit organisations (INGOs), making a series of additional disclosures and official approvals mandatory in a move aimed at increasing financial transparency and regulatory oversight.

Under new amendments to the Income Tax Rules 2002 issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), foreign non-profit organisations seeking registration in Pakistan will now have to provide proof of local residence, a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Interior, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the Government of Pakistan.

The notification, issued on May 20, 2026, also requires organisations to submit extensive information about their directors, trustees, major shareholders and partners, including Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), NICOP and POC numbers or foreign passport details.

According to official documents, INGOs will additionally be required to furnish their business address, accounting period, telephone number, principal business activity and complete particulars of their authorised representative or principal officer in Pakistan.

The revised rules further make it compulsory for organisations to submit authority letters for authorised representatives, overseas registration or incorporation documents, and verification letters issued by relevant foreign embassies.

Details regarding the nationality, passport numbers and shareholding ratios of key office-bearers and stakeholders must also be disclosed under the amended framework.

FBR officials said the measures were introduced to strengthen documentation of the financial system and ensure more effective monitoring of the activities and financial affairs of international organisations operating in Pakistan.