Ahmed Rashid’s advice to Imran Khan

In his article published last month in New York Times, Ahmad Rashid had a word of praise and advice for Imran Khan. He wrote: “He is determined to rein in elite corruption and increase spending on health, education and women’s welfare. To carry out these important social programs, Mr. Khan needs the support of Pakistan’s battered and bruised civil society. He needs to put an end to the coercion civil society groups have faced from the previous government and the military and help them to function effectively and without constraints.” The author did not realize that Imran Khan’s government took the correct decision of asking 18 INGOs involved in suspicious activities to wrap up their operations in Pakistan, and would not listen to the piece of advice from compulsive detractor of Pakistan.
Ahmed Rashid is known for his much damaging perceptions about Pakistan frequently spelled out in his writings and talks made at various forums in USA. In his recent talk to the US media (Army Goodman of the New York Times), he cited capricious references to convince the audience that “India being the dignified regional actor peacefully observing diplomatic course in all directions, whereas Pakistan is the sole culprit fuelling insurgency in Afghanistan, fortifying its eastern border under exaggerated Indian threat and channeling all US aid to Taliban/neo-Taliban groups enabling them to rearm themselves in Afghanistan.” Similar shocking analysis was presented in his latest book “Descent into Chaos: The United States and the Failure of Nation Building in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia”.
Ahmed Rashid vainly tried to misguide Imran Khan, who will not be taken in by a person who did not see any good coming out from Pakistan. The author did not understand that security institutions briefed the prime minister about the suspicious activities of some of the INGOs. Prior to 2015, there was no clear cut policy with regard to International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) in Pakistan, therefore some of the INGOs were successful in penetrating various sectors of society and accomplished agenda of their donors. These INGOs were reportedly trying to influence our security and exploit religious matters besides breaching social norms and customs. Dr. Shakil Afridi was also part of the INGO that started fake polio campaign to reach Osama bin Laden.
After formulation of policy INGOs Policy frame work in 2015, it was decided to bring all INGOs under scrutiny. So far 145 INGOs have applied for registration with Ministry of Interior under new INGOs Policy. During scrutiny it was revealed by sensitive institutions that 63 INGOs are working against Pakistan’s security and solidarity. After constant follow up and push by relevant ministries along with sensitive institutions, MoI served notices to 49 INGOs (in November 2017 and August 2018) for closing their operation in the country. Out of these, 18 INGOs filed representation against Interior Ministry’s decision and they were given ample opportunity to clear their position, which they could not. However, their appeals were unanimously rejected by a special committee constituted for the said purpose.
On 2nd October 2018, Interior Ministry issued final winding up notices to 18 INGOs to wrap up their operations in the country within 60 days. However, said INGOs had been asked to apply after 6 months on revised MoU for their registration. It has also come into knowledge that 40 INGOs did not even bother to get themselves registered and are working without registration. Interior Ministry is also considering taking legal action against the said INGOs very soon. It is very important to mention that Government of Pakistan has allowed 81 INGOs (20 from USA, 14 from UK, 11 from Germany etc) to work inside the country that are contributing positively in various development/welfare projects.