ActionAid Pakistan closes after 28 years supporting marginalised communities

Adriano Campolina, General Secretary of ActionAid International says:

“We’re deeply disappointed that ActionAid Pakistan has today (30 November) shut down its operations in response to an order from the Pakistani government.

“Our dedicated team in Pakistan has supported more than 1.4 million people since 2007.

“The end of their vital work with marginalised groups is a worrying development for civil society in a country where a fifth of the population is still living in poverty.

“Should there be a change in the government’s decision regarding International NGOs’ work in Pakistan, we would be honoured to return.”

Editors' notes

In compliance with a directive issued by the Government of Pakistan dated 2 October 2018, ActionAid has wound up its country-wide operations effective 30 November 2018.

During the exit process, we have made diligent efforts to ensure full compliance to all legal requirements as well as Duty of Care to our staff, partners, stakeholders, and the communities we served in Pakistan.

ActionAid has been working in the country since 1990 (under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Pakistan) in partnership with local and national organisations, community groups and movements of people living in poverty.