The term “NGO mafia” is gaining traction as reports emerge of parliamentarians allegedly being employed by NGOs, thus potentially violating constitutional and legal mandates in Pakistan.
Amina Hassan Sheikh, a PML-N Member of the Punjab Assembly allegedly employed by NGO Chromatic, is reportedly involved with an NGO while serving as a legislator, an act deemed illegal under Pakistani law.
Amina Hassan Sheikh, Allegedly Employed by the NGO Chromatic, secured her seat on a reserved quota for women. She is reportedly the Head of Government Relations for Chromatic, an NGO. This information appears prominently on Chromatic’s official website under the team section.
Sources allege that Sheikh leverages her political status to orchestrate meetings between NGO administrators and key governmental figures, including parliamentarians and bureaucrats. This activity purportedly aims to secure advantages for her favoured individuals, raising serious concerns about conflicts of interest and the integrity of her political responsibilities.
Additionally, it is reported that Sheikh’s role at the NGO involves facilitating the organization’s activities within government circles, utilizing her political influence unduly. Pakistani law prohibits parliamentarians from holding any form of employment in private entities during their tenure to prevent such conflicts of interest.
If these allegations are substantiated, the revelation could necessitate her resignation or possibly lead to disqualification proceedings. According to legal stipulations, assembly members must resign from any occupational roles before swearing into office. This unfolding scenario raises questions about enforcing these laws, particularly when the NGO Chromatic receives funding from significant international bodies like Tobacco-Free Kids and Vital Strategies.
