Pakistan imposes new restrictions on foreign media reporting, drawing press freedom concerns

ISLAMABAD, Aug 5: Pakistan has introduced new restrictions on international media reporting in the country, requiring foreign journalists and contributors, including Pakistani nationals working for foreign outlets, to obtain prior permission before reporting from most areas outside Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.

The new rules, called the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026, have sparked criticism from journalist organisations and press freedom advocates, who say the measures could limit independent reporting and access to information.

Under the guidelines, journalists working outside the three designated cities must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before covering stories. Critics say the approval process could delay reporting, particularly during breaking news events, as foreign journalists have previously faced lengthy waits for permissions.

Political commentator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said the restrictions could “choke international media” and create more space for misinformation. Dawn newspaper editor Zaffar Abbas also criticised the move, saying the rules undermine both freedom of movement and freedom of the press.

The Pakistani government defended the guidelines, saying they are not intended to restrict journalism but are designed to create an administrative system to verify foreign media, facilitate access and coordinate reporting requirements.

The rules also state that journalists may lose accreditation for actions considered against Pakistan’s ideology, sovereignty, security or public order. Critics have described the wording as vague and open to interpretation.

Legal experts have questioned the authority behind the guidelines, arguing they lack a clear statutory framework. Meanwhile, international journalists and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists are seeking a meeting with the information minister to discuss their concerns.