MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MoU)

BETWEEN

HUMAN ASSISTANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (HADI)

AND

RAJANPUR PRESS CLUB

Date: _______________ [Insert Date]

Place: Rajanpur, District Rajanpur, South Punjab, Pakistan

PARTIES

This Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as "MoU") is entered into on this day _______________ [Date], 2026, by and between:

1. HUMAN ASSISTANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (HADI) , a non-governmental organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 -

, having its registered office at [Insert HADI Rajanpur Office Address], Tehsil Jampur, District Rajanpur, South Punjab, Pakistan (hereinafter referred to as "HADI" or "First Party") represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Syed Abu Barza Muhammad Ali Naqvi.

AND

2. RAJANPUR PRESS CLUB , a registered association of journalists operating under its constitution and bye-laws, having its office at [Insert Press Club Address], Rajanpur, District Rajanpur, South Punjab, Pakistan (hereinafter referred to as "Rajanpur Press Club" or "Second Party") represented by its President, [Insert Name], duly authorized by the Executive Committee.

(HADI and Rajanpur Press Club are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Parties" and individually as a "Party").

BACKGROUND / RECITALS

WHEREAS:

A. HADI is a non-governmental organization established in 1972 with over five decades of experience in community development, education, health, livelihoods, and social protection in District Rajanpur, particularly in Tehsil Jampur -

B. Rajanpur Press Club is a representative body of journalists, media professionals, and press correspondents operating in District Rajanpur, dedicated to promoting press freedom, professional ethics, journalist welfare, and accurate dissemination of information.

C. The European Union has announced a call for proposals under the Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression Grants (Reference: EuropeAid/186121/DD/ACT/PK) with a submission deadline of April 21, 2026 -

D. HADI intends to submit a project proposal titled "Digital Sakoon: Empowering Remote Communities Through Media Literacy and Countering Disinformation in South Punjab" (hereinafter referred to as "the Project") under the aforementioned EU grant program.

E. The Parties recognize that a formal partnership will strengthen the Project proposal and enhance its competitiveness for EU funding, as EU guidelines emphasize principles of good partnership practice -

F. Both Parties desire to formalize their collaborative relationship through this MoU to define their respective roles, responsibilities, and commitments in connection with the development of the Project proposal and, if awarded, the implementation of the Project.

NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION OF THE MUTUAL PROMISES AND COVENANTS CONTAINED HEREIN, THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

ARTICLE 1: PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

1.1 Purpose: The purpose of this MoU is to establish a framework for collaboration between HADI and Rajanpur Press Club for the purpose of jointly developing and, if awarded, implementing the "Digital Sakoon" project under the EU Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression Grants program.

1.2 Objectives: The specific objectives of this partnership are:

a) To combine the respective expertise and resources of both Parties for the development of a competitive grant proposal;

b) To define the roles and responsibilities of each Party in the proposal development and project implementation phases;

c) To demonstrate to the EU funding authority the existence of a formal, committed partnership between a grassroots development organization and a representative media body;

d) To contribute to the enhancement of media literacy, countering of disinformation, and promotion of digital rights in District Rajanpur -

ARTICLE 2: PARTNERSHIP STRUCTURE AND ROLES

2.1 Designation of Lead Applicant: The Parties agree that HADI shall serve as the Lead Applicant for the EU grant proposal. As Lead Applicant, HADI shall be directly responsible for the preparation, management, and submission of the grant application, and if awarded, for the overall coordination, management, and implementation of the Project in accordance with EU guidelines -

2.2 Designation of Co-Applicant: The Parties agree that Rajanpur Press Club shall serve as a Co-Applicant for the EU grant proposal. As Co-Applicant, Rajanpur Press Club shall participate in the development of the proposal and, if awarded, shall share responsibility for the implementation of Project activities as outlined in Article 3 of this MoU -

2.3 Good Partnership Practice: Both Parties undertake to comply with the principles of good partnership practice, including mutual respect, transparency, timely communication, and collaborative decision-making throughout the duration of their association -

ARTICLE 3: SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Responsibilities of HADI (Lead Applicant):

S.No.	Responsibility	Timeline
1	Overall coordination of the grant proposal development process	Immediate
2	Preparation of the project narrative, logical framework, and budget in EU-required format	By April 15, 2026
3	Submission of the complete proposal through the EU PROSPECT system by the deadline of April 21, 2026 -2	By April 21, 2026
4	If awarded, overall project management, financial management, and reporting to EU	Project duration
5	Community mobilization, training logistics, and beneficiary reach through HADI's existing networks in Rajanpur and Jampur	Project duration
6	Localization of training materials into Seraiki language	Project duration
7	Provision of office space, administrative support, and field coordination	Project duration

3.2 Responsibilities of Rajanpur Press Club (Co-Applicant):

S.No.	Responsibility	Timeline
1	Provision of all required organizational documents for the grant proposal (registration certificate, constitution, audited statements, etc.)	Within 7 days of signing
2	Technical input on the proposal's media-related components, including journalist safety, media literacy, and counter-disinformation strategies	By April 10, 2026
3	If awarded, provision of journalist trainers and media professionals for project training activities	Project duration
4	Mobilization of Press Club members for participation in project activities	Project duration
5	Facilitation of connections with local media outlets (newspapers, community radio) for project visibility and dissemination	Project duration
6	Contribution to monitoring and evaluation of project outcomes related to media professionals	Project duration
7	Ensuring ethical standards and journalist welfare considerations are integrated into project design	Ongoing

ARTICLE 4: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

4.1 Legal Status: Each Party represents and warrants that:

a) It is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of Pakistan, with specific reference to the Societies Registration Act, 1860 for HADI -

;

b) It has the full power and authority to enter into this MoU and to carry out its obligations hereunder;

c) The signatory hereto represents that he/she is duly authorized to execute this MoU on behalf of their respective Party.

4.2 Eligibility: Both Parties confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria for participation in EU-funded projects as specified in the Guidelines for Applicants, including not being in any of the exclusion situations listed in Section 2.3.3 of the Practical Guide -

4.3 Financial Capacity: HADI confirms that it has the financial capacity to carry out the proposed action and will provide audited financial statements as required by EU guidelines -

ARTICLE 5: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

5.1 Existing Intellectual Property: Any intellectual property owned by either Party prior to this MoU shall remain the property of that Party.

5.2 Jointly Developed Intellectual Property: Any intellectual property, training materials, publications, or resources developed jointly under the Project shall be jointly owned by the Parties. Both Parties shall have the right to use such materials for non-commercial purposes, with appropriate attribution.

5.3 Right to Use Results: The Parties acknowledge that under EU grant agreements, the European Union shall have the right to use the results of the action for its purposes -

ARTICLE 6: CONFIDENTIALITY

6.1 Obligation of Confidentiality: The Parties undertake to maintain the confidentiality of any information marked as "confidential" or which reasonably ought to be considered confidential that is shared between them in connection with this MoU and the Project -

6.2 Exceptions: Confidentiality obligations shall not apply to information that:

a) Is or becomes publicly available through no fault of the receiving Party;

b) Was rightfully in the receiving Party's possession prior to disclosure;

c) Is required to be disclosed by law or by the EU funding authority.

ARTICLE 7: COMMUNICATION AND VISIBILITY

7.1 EU Visibility Requirements: The Parties agree to comply with all EU communication and visibility requirements as specified in the grant contract, including appropriate acknowledgment of EU funding in all publications, events, and materials related to the Project -

7.2 Joint Communications: Any press releases, public announcements, or communications regarding the Project shall be jointly reviewed and approved by both Parties prior to release.

7.3 Use of Logos: Each Party may use the other Party's logo in project-related materials only with prior written consent and in accordance with the other Party's branding guidelines.

ARTICLE 8: DURATION AND TERMINATION

8.1 Effective Date: This MoU shall become effective on the date of its signing by both Parties.

8.2 Duration: This MoU shall remain in effect:

a) Through the proposal development phase (until April 21, 2026);

b) If the grant proposal is awarded, through the full duration of the Project implementation period and any subsequent reporting or sustainability phases;

c) If the grant proposal is not awarded, this MoU shall terminate 30 days after notification of the funding decision.

8.3 Termination for Cause: Either Party may terminate this MoU with immediate effect by written notice to the other Party if:

a) The other Party commits a material breach of its obligations hereunder and fails to remedy such breach within 15 days of receiving written notice;

b) The other Party becomes insolvent, is dissolved, or ceases operations.

8.4 Termination Without Cause: Either Party may terminate this MoU by providing 30 days' written notice to the other Party.

8.5 Effect of Termination: Upon termination, each Party shall promptly return or destroy any confidential information belonging to the other Party. Any provisions which by their nature should survive termination shall so survive.

ARTICLE 9: DISPUTE RESOLUTION

9.1 Amicable Settlement: The Parties shall use their best efforts to settle amicably any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or in connection with this MoU.

9.2 Mediation: If the Parties cannot resolve a dispute amicably within 30 days, they agree to submit the dispute to mediation before a mutually agreed mediator based in Multan or Dera Ghazi Khan.

9.3 Governing Law: This MoU shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Pakistan, particularly the Societies Registration Act, 1860 -

9.4 Jurisdiction: The Parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Rajanpur, Pakistan for any disputes not resolved through mediation.

ARTICLE 10: GENERAL PROVISIONS

10.1 Entire Agreement: This MoU constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, and representations.

10.2 Amendments: Any amendments to this MoU shall be in writing and signed by both Parties.

10.3 Notices: All notices under this MoU shall be in writing and delivered personally, by email, or by registered post to the addresses specified below:

HADI (First Party)	Rajanpur Press Club (Second Party)
Syed Abu Barza Muhammad Ali Naqvi	[Insert President's Name]
Chief Executive Officer	President
Human Assistance for Development Initiative (HADI)	Rajanpur Press Club
[Insert HADI Office Address]	[Insert Press Club Address]
Rajanpur, Punjab, Pakistan	Rajanpur, Punjab, Pakistan
Email: ceo@hadi.asia	Email: [Insert Press Club Email]
Phone: +92 300 6105747	Phone: [Insert Press Club Phone]

10.4 Force Majeure: Neither Party shall be liable for failure to perform its obligations under this MoU if such failure is caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, civil unrest, or government actions.

10.5 Non-Waiver: Failure by either Party to enforce any provision of this MoU shall not constitute a waiver of such provision or affect the right to enforce such provision at a later time.

SIGNATURES

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Memorandum of Understanding on the date and place first above written.

FOR AND ON BEHALF OF HUMAN ASSISTANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (HADI)

Syed Abu Barza Muhammad Ali Naqvi

Chief Executive Officer

Date: __________________

Place: Rajanpur, Pakistan

Witness 1:

Name: __________________

Designation: __________________

CNIC: __________________

Address: __________________

Witness 2:

Name: __________________

Designation: __________________

CNIC: __________________

Address: __________________

FOR AND ON BEHALF OF RAJANPUR PRESS CLUB

[Insert President's Name]

President

Date: __________________

Place: Rajanpur, Pakistan

Witness 1:

Name: __________________

Designation: __________________

CNIC: __________________

Address: __________________

Witness 2:

Name: __________________

Designation: __________________

CNIC: __________________

Address: __________________

SCHEDULE A: ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST

[To be attached to this MoU]

Document	HADI	Rajanpur Press Club
Registration Certificate under Societies Registration Act, 1860 -1 -4	✓
Constitution / Memorandum of Association	✓
List of Office Bearers / Governing Body	✓
PAN / NTN Certificate	✓
Audited Financial Statements (last 2 years)	✓
Proof of Registered Office Address	✓

SCHEDULE B: CONTACT PERSONS

Role	HADI	Rajanpur Press Club
Primary Contact	Syed Abu Barza Muhammad Ali Naqvi, CEO	[Insert Name, President]
Email	ceo@hadi.asia	[Insert Email]
Phone	+92 300 6105747	[Insert Phone]
Alternate Contact	[Insert Name, Designation]	[Insert Name, Secretary/Gen. Sec.]
Email	[Insert Email]	[Insert Email]
Phone	[Insert Phone]	[Insert Phone]

SCHEDULE C: EU COMPLIANCE DECLARATION

[To be signed by both Parties and attached to the EU grant application]

We, the undersigned, being the authorized signatories of Human Assistance for Development Initiative (HADI) and Rajanpur Press Club, hereby declare that:

Both organizations have the professional competences and qualifications specified in the EU Guidelines for Applicants -
2
-
5
.
Both organizations are not in any of the situations excluding them from participating in contracts as listed in Section 2.3.3 of the Practical Guide -
2
.
Both organizations are in a position to deliver immediately, upon request, all supporting documents stipulated in the guidelines.
Both organizations accept the principles of good partnership practice as outlined in this MoU -
2
.
We understand that false declarations may result in rejection from the procedure and administrative sanctions.

For HADI

Chief Executive Officer

Date: __________________

For Rajanpur Press Club

President

Date: __________________

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR HADI

Aspect	Guidance
Registration Verification	Confirm that Rajanpur Press Club is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or has equivalent legal status. Unregistered entities cannot be formal co-applicants for EU grants -1 -4.
EU Requirement	EU grants require formal declarations from all co-applicants. Schedule C above addresses this requirement -2 -5.
Language	Present this MoU to Press Club members in Urdu/Seraiki alongside the English version for full understanding.
Authorized Signatory	Ensure the Press Club President has authorization from the Executive Committee to sign. Attach meeting minutes if available.
Supporting Documents	Collect all documents listed in Schedule A before finalizing the MoU.

Would you like me to:

Translate key clauses into Urdu/Seraiki for presentation to Press Club members?
Prepare a simplified summary for discussion with Press Club executive committee?
Draft the EU partnership declaration separately for signature?

HADI Asia

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