Pakistan has introduced new restrictions on foreign media personnel, requiring journalists working for international organisations to obtain a No Objection Certificate before travelling outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for reporting purposes.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued guidelines that establish a framework for registration, accreditation and movement of foreign media organisations and their staff.

According to Dawn, all foreign journalists already registered or accredited with the Ministry’s External Publicity Wing must now secure a mandatory NOC before travelling to any other city to produce news reports, documentaries, films, videos or social media content.

Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi are exempt from the requirement. For leisure travel to Abbottabad and Murree, journalists may obtain an NOC upon request, with approvals expected within three working days.

The rules apply to international print, electronic and digital media organisations, including web-based platforms and social media outlets.

All journalists associated with foreign media must register through the EP Wing’s online portal. Pakistani journalists residing abroad and contributing to foreign media are also required to apply through the portal, routing applications via the nearest Pakistani diplomatic mission.

The regulations extend to production houses, companies, freelancers, fixers and non-journalists providing services to foreign media in Pakistan. Registration is described as professional recognition only and does not confer any official status.

The EP Wing reserves the right to approve or reject accreditation applications. Journalists may appeal to the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting if their applications are denied.

The guidelines specify that all foreign media personnel already accredited must obtain an NOC for movement to any city other than Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi if they intend to produce official content.

Registered journalists will receive QR-enabled PVC accreditation cards, which will facilitate access to government events and premises. Registration cards are expected within seven working days, while accreditation cards may take four to six weeks.

These measures follow heightened scrutiny over media access in Pakistan after reports of protests, disruptions and alleged use of force during the local election process in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Human rights and press freedom organisations, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists Asia, have expressed concern over restrictions on journalists, communication shutdowns, enforced disappearances of media personnel and limitations on foreign media coverage.

Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into reports of excessive force against demonstrators in Rawalakot.

India has highlighted contrasting developments between Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Human rights activist Taslima Akhtar stated that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir had improved significantly since August 2019, while expressing concern over violence against civilians and restrictions on peaceful protesters in PoK.

ANI