Pakistan has introduced fresh regulations governing international news organisations, prompting strong criticism from journalists and press freedom advocates who argue the measures will further restrict independent reporting across the country.
Under the newly introduced Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026, foreign correspondents and Pakistani staff working for overseas media outlets must now obtain official approval before reporting from any location outside Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.
The policy also extends to freelance contributors based in other parts of the country.
Government officials insist the directive is intended to improve coordination, verify journalists’ credentials and streamline administrative procedures rather than suppress media activities.
However, the regulations do not specify how long authorities may take to issue the required No Objection Certificate (NOC), raising fears of lengthy delays.
International reporters have long faced difficulties obtaining travel clearance, with some applications reportedly remaining unanswered for months.
As a result, many foreign organisations have relied on local journalists stationed in provinces and regional cities to gather and verify information.
Media analysts warn that the latest restrictions could significantly reduce independent coverage from areas experiencing political unrest and security challenges.
Political commentator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar described the policy as another setback for press freedom, arguing that limiting access for international journalists would increase the spread of misinformation and reduce reliable reporting.
Veteran journalist and Dawn editor Zaffar Abbas also condemned the decision, saying he had never witnessed such extensive limitations on journalists’ movement during more than four decades in the profession.
He maintained that requiring permission to travel beyond the country’s three largest cities weakens both freedom of movement and media independence.
The guidelines further state that foreign media accreditation may be withdrawn if journalists engage in activities considered harmful to Pakistan’s ideology, sovereignty, national security or public order.
Critics argue the language is too broad and could be interpreted arbitrarily.
Constitutional lawyer Salhuddin Ahmed questioned the legal foundation of the policy, stating that the guidelines are executive instructions rather than legislation approved by parliament.
According to him, the government’s Rules of Business regulate internal administrative functions and do not create enforceable legal obligations for journalists.
The Information Ministry maintains that the External Publicity Wing is responsible for managing relations with foreign media and that the guidelines simply define its administrative procedures.
Concern over the new measures has grown among international media organisations, with representatives and officials from Pakistan’s Federal Union of Journalists seeking discussions with the information minister over the implications of the policy.
Attention has also focused on Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where foreign media received instructions directing journalists already in the region to leave immediately and obtain official permission before returning.
The area has witnessed prolonged unrest, deadly confrontations between protesters and security forces, election boycotts and internet disruptions that have complicated independent verification of events.
The directive followed reports by several international news organisations from inside the territory.
Around the same period, access to Al Jazeera’s website became unavailable within Pakistan after authorities criticised one of its reports as sensational.
No formal announcement of a nationwide ban has been issued.
Kashmir remains one of the world’s most disputed territories, with both Pakistan and India claiming the entire region while administering separate sections.
Reporting from the area has long been regarded as politically sensitive, and some Pakistani journalists say they have been advised by editors to avoid covering the ongoing unrest.
Pakistan currently ranks 153rd out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, reflecting continuing concerns over restrictions on media freedom.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong