Punjab bans unregistered fundraising by charities

The Punjab Charity Commission, operating under the Punjab Home Department, has issued a legal directive prohibiting the collection of donations without prior registration.

According to an official notice, the step has been taken to improve transparency and strengthen public confidence in the use of charitable funds and welfare donations across the province.

The commission stated that all charitable organisations are now required to complete formal registration with the authority before initiating any fundraising campaigns or donation drives.

Officials further directed organisations to clearly declare their objectives, sources of income, and planned expenditures in their registration applications submitted to the commission.

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The directive also requires registered charities to maintain detailed financial and operational records for at least seven years. These records may be reviewed during inspections or audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

The commission said the move is aimed at preventing misuse of donations and ensuring that welfare funds are utilised strictly for their declared purposes.

The notice references the legal framework provided under the Punjab Charities Act 2018, along with the Registration Rules 2023 and the Inspection and Audit Rules 2023, which govern the functioning of charitable organisations in the province.

Authorities added that any organisation found collecting donations without registration may face legal action under applicable laws.

For public guidance and compliance support, the commission has made contact channels available, including email, WhatsApp, and official helpline numbers.

Officials said the new enforcement measures are part of broader efforts to regulate the charitable sector and ensure accountability in fundraising practices across Punjab.