The department released a list naming more than 70 proscribed groups, cautioning the public that any financial or material support to these organizations is a criminal offense under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

“Supporting groups involved in terrorism or anti-state activities poses a serious threat to national security and can lead to legal action,” said a department spokesperson.

Citizens have been directed to donate hides only to charities officially registered with the Punjab Charity Commission.

Donors can confirm the legitimacy of organizations by scanning QR codes printed on the official certificates issued to authorized bodies.

Institutions such as madrasas and welfare organizations intending to collect hides must first secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the office of the Deputy Commissioner.

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Only those with valid permits from the DC or the Punjab Charity Commission will be allowed to operate collection drives.

The list of banned outfits includes names such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Sipah-e-Muhammad, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Daesh (ISIS), Hizbut Tahrir, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM), Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, Al-Akhtar Trust, Al-Rasheed Trust, and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), among others.

The department has appealed to parents, mosque committees, religious seminaries, and non-governmental organizations to remain alert and cooperate in protecting national interests. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious hide collection activity by banned groups through the police emergency helpline at 15.

Official lists of approved charities are available on the websites of the Punjab Home Department, Punjab Charity Commission, and NACTA.