In brief
Pakistan has introduced the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026, mandating that anyone accredited to foreign media—including Pakistani nationals—must secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to cover events outside Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. The move has drawn sharp condemnation from international journalist bodies, who say it further erodes the country’s already low press freedom ranking. Proponents argue it merely provides administrative oversight, while critics warn that vague language could be used to curtail independent reporting, especially in sensitive regions like Pakistani‑administered Kashmir.
On Sunday, Pakistani authorities issued the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026. The guidelines require that foreign media personnel—including Pakistani nationals—receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before reporting outside Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. The rules are intended to “provide an administrative mechanism” to verify media, facilitate access and coordinate reporting requirements, officials said.
Critics argue the policy effectively throttles on‑ground coverage. Today’s World Press Freedom Index places Pakistan 153 out of 180, and many journalists note that NOCs already take months to process, denying timely coverage of breaking news.
The guidelines also allow the Information Ministry to revoke a journalist’s accreditation if they are deemed to act against the “ideology, sovereignty, security or public order of Pakistan.” Reports suggest those terms are intentionally vague, raising concerns about how they might be applied.
International journalist groups are lobbying for a meeting with the information minister. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has expressed readiness to engage, noting that the restrictions do not apply to movement of individuals but to media accreditation.
The most sensitive area affected is Pakistani‑administered Kashmir, where violent clashes and a disputed election have made coverage highly political. The Pakistani ministry has asked foreign media to “return immediately” and apply for an NOC, after reports from outlets such as the BBC and Al Jazeera. Despite this, journalists report that internet access remains severely restricted, complicating verification.
