Enhancing NGO Registration Through Collaborative SOP Review in Punjab

Community World Service Asia, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department (SWD) Punjab, successfully convened a three-day consultative session in O’Spring, Murree from May 16th–18th, 2025. The session brought together key government stakeholders—including Divisional and District Officers and the Director Admin of SWD Punjab—to collectively review and revise the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) related to NGO registration in Punjab. The objective was to streamline and harmonise the registration and renewal process, making it more efficient, transparent, and responsive to both government needs and civil society realities. Through structured discussions, presentations, and working group sessions, participants identified challenges in the current system and collaboratively drafted revised SoPs to guide more consistent implementation across the province.

The session, facilitated by Joseph Masih, Senior Technical Advisor at CWSA, was lauded for its participatory approach and practical outcomes. Government representatives appreciated the opportunity to critically examine policy gaps and contribute directly to procedural reforms. “Before this, no discussion session was held regarding any policy or rule framed by the department. There was a dire need to organise such sessions with grassroots stakeholders,” remarked Atif Ali, Deputy Director, SWD Mandi Bahauddin.

Aqsa Rafique Chaudhary, Deputy Director, SWD Punjab, Lahore, shared, “The consultation was real brainstorming and constructive. It remained focused and fully aligned with the session’s objectives.”

“We identified deficiencies in the SOPs and discussed key points—this session was very productive and relevant,” added Ghalib Abbas, Assistant Director from Murree. The feedback highlighted a collective desire for continued dialogue and engagement to ensure meaningful policy improvements and more effective collaboration between public institutions and civil society organisations.