Pakistan issues foreign media guidelines, drawing criticism from press freedom groups
The rules require a no-objection certificate for travel beyond three cities and add registration requirements for media helpers, drawing press freedom criticism.
- On August 6, 2026, Pakistan introduced the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines requiring foreign journalists to obtain a No-Objection Certificate from the Ministry before reporting outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
- The Ministry issued these rules following controversy over foreign media coverage of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where officials previously instructed journalists to return and apply for clearance before deploying to the region.
- Condemning the guidelines on Thursday, the Human Rights Commission and The Pakistan Federal Union called them "an attack on freedom of expression" that institutionalizes bureaucratic control over news gathering.
- PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari warned the policy restricts foreign correspondents and prevents Pakistani journalists employed by international media from traveling to regions for reporting.
- As the country prepares for the final phase of legislative assembly elections on August 10, officials rejected criticism, stating the guidelines "are not intended to restrict foreign media or curtail press freedom.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Pakistans latest curbs on foreign press draw global condemnation, concerns from media, rights group amid PoJK protests - The Tribune
Pakistan's latest move to curb the movement of foreign press in the country amid protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) due to administrative failures has drawn widespread criticism from international media organisations and rights groups, with fresh concerns that the measures could further erode press freedom and restrict independent reporting.
Pakistan Expands Media Curbs to Local Journalists Working for Foreign Outlets
New Delhi: Pakistan has widened its restrictions on the media by extending new reporting and travel rules to Pakistani journalists, fixers, producers and other local staff employed by international news organisations, drawing sharp criticism from press freedom groups and global m
Pakistan broadens foreign media curbs to local staff, drawing backlash
KARACHI, Aug 6 - Pakistan has imposed further restrictions on foreign media outlets operating in the country, for the first time seeking to routinely control the movement of Pakistani nationals working for them. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Journalists, rights bodies condemn curbs on media freedom in Pakistan
Under the new SoPs — Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026 — the journalists associated with foreign media will have to seek permission from the federal government for travelling to any city outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for news coverage
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