Punjab home department warns against donating animal hides to banned outfits

Lahore (Web Desk/Agencies): The Punjab Home Department, ahead of Eidul Azha, has issued a comprehensive list of proscribed organisations and their affiliated groups, warning citizens against donating sacrificial animal hides to such entities.

According to a statement issued by a spokesperson of the Home Department, the citizens have been directed to ensure that hides are only donated to welfare organisations registered with the Punjab Charity Commission (PCC).

The home department has released a list of over 70 proscribed groups and emphasized that donating to banned outfits or their front organisations is a criminal offence under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997.

The spokesperson further stated that providing financial or material support to any outlawed group, including through hide donations, will lead to strict legal consequences.

“These groups are involved in anti-state and terrorist activities. Supporting them in any form is punishable under the law,” the spokesperson said.

The statement added that all organisations registered to collect hides must have certification that includes a verifiable QR code issued by the PCC.

Citizens have been urged to request proof of such certification from anyone collecting hides in their locality.

Only the madaris, that are registered with the Charity Commission or authorized by the respective deputy commissioners (DCs), will be permitted to collect hides.

The home department has directed all DCs to issue permits for hide collection by June 4, after thorough verification.

The Home Department has listed dozens of banned organizations including, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Al-Qaeda, Islamic State (Daesh), Balochistan Liberation Army, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, Al-Rasheed Trust, and several others operating under various names across the country.

The complete list of proscribed outfits is available on the official websites of the Punjab Home Department and the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).

Citizens have been encouraged to report any attempts by banned organisations to collect sacrificial hides by contacting the emergency helpline at 15, the toll-free number 0800-11111, or the landline numbers 042-99214871 and 042-99214872.