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Pakistan tightens rules on foreign media reporting

Published : Thursday, 6 August, 2026 at 6:22 PM

Observer Online Report

Pakistan has introduced new restrictions on foreign media, requiring journalists to obtain government permission before reporting outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

The Ministry of Information issued the directive on Monday, instructing journalists working for international media outlets, including freelancers, to register with the government's External Media Wing.

Under the new guidelines, media outlets must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to report from areas outside the three major cities. Local journalists working for international media will also be required to obtain NOCs.

The directive has drawn concern from media and human rights groups, who fear it could hamper independent reporting and restrict access to information, particularly on security, environmental and human rights issues outside the major cities.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said the government's Foreign Media Assistance Guidelines 2026 would increase bureaucratic control over news gathering and discourage independent reporting.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has also expressed concern over the deteriorating press freedom situation amid ongoing protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and urged authorities to ensure the normal flow of information and independent reporting.

The new restrictions come amid allegations of media curbs surrounding recent protests and local elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The government has not clarified how the new rules will be enforced or what penalties could apply for violations.

According to Reporters Without Borders' latest index, Pakistan ranks 153rd among 180 countries for press freedom.

SKS

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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