Pakistan Tightens Foreign Media Rules After Global Criticism Over POK Crackdown

Pakistan has unveiled a sweeping new framework that significantly expands government control over foreign media operations, requiring international journalists to obtain prior approval before reporting from most parts of the country.

The move comes amid growing international scrutiny over Islamabad's handling of protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), where rights groups and press freedom organisations have raised concerns over restrictions on journalists, internet shutdowns and the use of force against demonstrators.

Key Highlights

• Pakistan introduces new Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026.
• Foreign journalists can freely report only from Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
• Reporting from other regions now requires prior government approval.
• Accreditation can be revoked on broad national security grounds.
• The rules follow international criticism over Pakistan's crackdown in POK.

What Has Changed?

Under the newly introduced Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026, foreign correspondents must secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's External Publicity Wing (EP Wing) before reporting from most parts of Pakistan.

Previously, permissions were handled on a case-by-case basis. The new framework formalises and broadens those controls.

Foreign journalists are now allowed to work freely only in:

• Islamabad
• Lahore
• Karachi

Assignments elsewhere—including news reports, documentaries, interviews, videos and social media content—require prior government clearance.

Rules Extend Beyond Foreign Correspondents

The guidelines also widen the government's oversight to include:

• International media organisations
• Freelance journalists
• Production houses
• Translators
• Pakistani journalists contributing to foreign publications while living abroad

Applications for accreditation must be endorsed by employers, while authorities retain the discretion to approve, reject or seek additional information before granting permission.

Government Given Broad Powers

The new framework grants extensive authority to the EP Wing over accreditation and media access.

According to the guidelines, accreditation may be withdrawn if authorities determine that a journalist has acted against Pakistan's:

• Ideology
• Sovereignty
• National security
• Public order

The document does not clearly define these terms, giving officials significant discretion.

Journalists may also lose accreditation for:

• Alleged misuse of journalist visas
• Administrative non-compliance
• Violating operational requirements

Only government-issued QR-enabled accreditation cards will now be recognised.

The rules also extend to personal travel. Foreign journalists planning private visits to locations such as Abbottabad or Murree must first obtain official approval.

Comes Amid International Scrutiny Over POK

The policy announcement follows months of criticism over Pakistan's handling of protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).

The unrest has centred on governance, elections and economic issues, with reports alleging:

• Use of excessive force
• Arrests of protesters
• Restrictions on journalists
• Internet shutdowns

International organisations, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have called on Pakistan to safeguard press freedom and investigate allegations of rights violations.

India has also criticised the elections conducted in POK, describing them as lacking credibility and alleging that dissent has been suppressed.

Concerns Over Press Freedom

Media observers say the new framework significantly increases official oversight of international reporting.

Supporters may argue that governments have legitimate security concerns and often regulate access to sensitive areas. Critics, however, contend that broad approval requirements and undefined grounds for revoking accreditation could make independent reporting more difficult.

The long-term impact will likely depend on how consistently and transparently the new rules are implemented.

FAQs

What are Pakistan's new foreign media rules?

Foreign journalists must now obtain prior government approval before reporting from most parts of Pakistan, except Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

Which authority grants permission?

Permissions and accreditation are handled by the External Publicity Wing (EP Wing) under Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Who is affected by the new guidelines?

Foreign correspondents, international media organisations, freelancers, production houses, translators and some Pakistani journalists contributing to foreign publications.

Why were the rules introduced?

The government has introduced the framework amid heightened international scrutiny over its handling of protests and media access in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, though authorities present it as a regulatory framework for foreign media operations.

Can journalists lose accreditation?

Yes. Authorities can revoke accreditation on grounds including actions deemed contrary to Pakistan's ideology, sovereignty, security or public order, as outlined in the guidelines.