Pakistan has introduced new regulations requiring foreign journalists to obtain official permission before reporting from most parts of the country. The measures have sparked criticism from media and human rights organisations, who argue that the restrictions will further weaken press freedom.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan stated that the government’s Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026 would institutionalise state control over news gathering rather than facilitate journalistic work.

The commission said that forcing reporters to secure approval before travelling beyond Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi sends a troubling signal that independent and critical reporting is being discouraged.

HRCP added that the rules form part of a broader trend of shrinking space for free journalism in Pakistan. It pointed to increasing censorship, administrative hurdles and restrictions on reporting as evidence of this decline. The commission urged the government to withdraw the measures and fulfil its constitutional and international commitments to protect freedom of expression.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists also denounced the policy, describing it as a direct assault on press freedom. PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari said the regulations restrict foreign correspondents and prevent Pakistani journalists employed by international media organisations from travelling independently to many regions for reporting.

The union questioned how reporters could carry out their professional responsibilities under such restrictions. It warned that the policy could further damage Pakistan’s international reputation. PFUJ expressed concern that journalists working with foreign organisations could face difficulties if they are unable to travel for assignments.

Under the new guidelines, foreign journalists must obtain a no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Information before travelling outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi to produce news reports, documentaries, videos or other media content.

The regulations also require organisations and individuals assisting foreign media operations in Pakistan to register with the ministry’s External Publicity Wing.

These developments come amid heightened scrutiny of media access in Pakistan, where press freedom groups have repeatedly raised concerns about censorship, intimidation and restrictions on reporting. International watchdogs have warned that such measures could isolate Pakistan further and undermine its democratic credentials.

ANI