NGOs are independent voluntary organizations that are distinct from government. They can be defined in various ways based on their orientation and level of operation, such as advocacy, development work, or capacity building at the local, national, or international level. In Pakistan, NGOs have the fundamental right to form associations under the constitution. They are typically registered as societies, trusts, or companies and are exempt from taxes as nonprofit organizations. Common types of NGOs include advocacy groups, research organizations, training providers, networking groups, large organizations that fund smaller partners, and community-based organizations.

1. 1
Current rural development programmes rural support programmes and rural development
programs of NGOs
Lecture -24
Definition ofNGO
UN Definition
All kinds of private organizations that are independent from government control can be recognized as
"NGOs.
Professor Peter Willets, from the City University ofLondon, defines an
an NGO as “"an independent voluntary association of people acting together on a continuous basis for
some common purpose other than achieving government office, making money or illegal activities."
NGOs are difficult to define and classify due to the term’s inconsistent use. NGO, non-profit
organizations within defined boundaries excludes NGOs that fall outside each specific boundary.
Additionally, it is beneficial for NGO networks to create a classification that allows similar organizations
to exchange information more easily. To attempt a classification of NGOs requires a framework,that
includes the orientation and the organization's level of operation. An NGO's orientation refers to the type
of activities an organization takes on.
These activities might include environmental, development, or advocacy work. Capacity building,
livelihood etc
One of the earliest mentions of the term "NGO" was in 1945, when the UN was created. The UN
introduced the term "NGO" to distinguish between the participation of international private organizations
and intergovernmental specialized agencies.
Types ofNGOs
1. Operational
2. Campaigning
TERMS USED FOR NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
Apart from 'NGO' often alternative terms are used as for example “Independent Sector”,“Volunteer
Sector”,“Civil Society”, “Grassroots Organizations”, “Transnational Social Movement Organizations”,
“Private Voluntary Organizations”, “Self-help Organizations” and “Non State Actors” (NSAs).
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION
Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 laid down the fundamental rights of the citizens of
Pakistan and right to form an Association is the fundamental right. Every citizen shall have the right to
form Associations or Unions, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of
morality or public order.

2. 2
HOW NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ARE GET REGISTERED?
 Society
 Trust
 Company
NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ARE NOT FOR PROFITS. SO CAN THEY MAKE
PROFITS?
Yes. It would be called as surplus and not profit. Like Companies, which can distribute profits in the form
of dividends, NGOs can not distribute surplus.
NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ARE REFERRED IN MANY WAYS
 NPOs as Not for profit Organizations
 VOs as Voluntary Organizations
 CSOs as Civil Society Organizations
 CBOs as Community Based Organizations
 Charitable Organizations
 TYPICAL FORMS OF NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
 Advocacy
 These NGOs basically work on advocacy or campaigning on issues or causes. As a focus,they do
not implement programmes. e.g. PETA works on advocating the cause of Ethical Treatment of
Animals. It is not an animal shelter, which many expect.
 Consultancy / Research Organizations
 These NGOs work on Social and Developmental Research & Consultancy.
 Training / Capacity Building Organizations
 In the NGO Sector, training is usually called as Capacity Building. Some NGOs only work on
Capacity Building of the other NGOs.
 Networking Organizations
 These NGOs provide vital network opportunities for NGOs in a specific field e.g. Association of
Voluntary Agencies for Rural Development (AVARD) works on networking of NGOs working in
the field of Rural Development.
 Mother NGOs

3. 3
 These NGOs are recipients as well as givers e.g. large NGOs like CRY, Concern India receive
funds as well as disburse funds. They have a work focus, but instead of implementing projects,
they identify projects and monitor, evaluate and build capacities of participating NGOs.
 Grass root Organizations
 These NGOs work directly with the community.
 City Based Organizations
 These NGOs restrict their focus to cities.
 National Organizations
 These NGOs have national presence,e.g. CRY,Pratham,Concern India
 International Organizations
 These are part of International NGOs e.g. CARE India is an integral part of Care’s global
operations. Like mother NGOs, these NGOs receive and disburse grants.
 Self Help Groups
 They are not typically terms as NGOs. These are formed by beneficiary communities, typically
women who come together in a group of 10 plus.
 Third Sector Organizations
STATUS OF NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN PAKISTAN
Non Governmental Organizations also called as non profit organizations or charitable Institutions.
Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 considers it the fundamental right of every citizen to form Associations.
It is right and freedom of the citizens of Pakistan to form Associations. Non Governmental
Organizations can be registered under the Companies Ordinance, Trusts Act, Societies Registration
Act and Income Tax exempts such Associations from any sort of tax.