International

IIE DIGITAL: Pakistan’s latest restrictions on foreign journalists have triggered widespread criticism from international media organisations and human rights groups, with concerns mounting that the new regulations will further undermine press freedom and obstruct independent reporting, particularly amid ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Under the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026, introduced by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, foreign correspondents and Pakistani journalists working for international media outlets must obtain prior government approval before carrying out official reporting assignments outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

The guidelines also require foreign media organisations, journalists, local fixers and contributors to register with the ministry. In addition, journalists planning to visit designated sensitive areas, including Abbottabad and Murree, must secure a no-objection certificate (NOC), even for personal travel.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from media watchdogs, which argue that the regulations formalise government control over journalism and could restrict reporting on sensitive developments, including the continuing protests in PoJK.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged Islamabad to immediately withdraw what it described as "draconian" measures. In a statement, CPJ's Afghanistan and Pakistan representative Waliullah Rahmani said the guidelines would further limit international media coverage, restrict journalists' movement beyond Pakistan's three largest cities and expose reporters to administrative action.

Rahmani also said the new rules represent another setback for press freedom in Pakistan, particularly as journalists covering unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir already face mounting restrictions.

According to the CPJ, the guidelines were introduced shortly after the Pakistani government criticised international reporting on the PoJK protests and accused Al Jazeera of biased journalism. The organisation also noted that access to Al Jazeera's website has since been restricted within Pakistan.

The regulations empower authorities to suspend or revoke accreditation of journalists and media organisations if their reporting is deemed contrary to Pakistan's ideology, sovereignty, security or public order.

The CPJ further alleged that authorities had prohibited coverage of protests demanding administrative reforms in PoJK after international media highlighted allegations of police excesses. It also pointed to internet and mobile service suspensions in the region and raised concerns over the detention and disappearance of journalists covering the unrest.

International news agency Reuters also criticised the restrictions, stating that journalists should be free to report wherever news events occur.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed deep concern, arguing that the new framework institutionalises bureaucratic control over journalism instead of facilitating it. The commission said the approval requirement for reporting across much of the country sends a chilling signal that independent and critical journalism is increasingly unwelcome.

HRCP urged the Pakistani government to revoke the guidelines and uphold its constitutional and international commitments to safeguard freedom of expression.