In Lahore, Pakistan, the Punjab Home Department has unveiled an updated list of banned outfits under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The department warned citizens against providing any form of assistance to proscribed groups and urged them to verify entities with the Charity Commission.
Punjab Home Department officials emphasized that donating zakat or charity to unregistered or banned organizations is a criminal offense under the law. They also cautioned individuals not to support any group involved in terrorism or anti-state activities, stating those found guilty would face strict legal action.
Authorities clarified that all charitable entities operating in Punjab must be registered with the Punjab Charity Commission and advised citizens to donate only to registered entities verified through QR codes displayed on official certificates.
Included in the list are groups such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Al-Qaeda, Balochistan Liberation Army, Islamic State, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.
The department added that the complete list of banned outfits is available on their official website as well as those of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).
Home Department officials have encouraged citizens to report any fraudulent or anti-state activities to ensure charitable contributions go towards genuine recipients rather than extremist groups.