LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: In a move that press freedom bodies are calling part of a “growing pattern of media curbs,” the government has introduced sweeping new rules requiring all foreign journalists working in Pakistan to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) before travelling to any city outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for news coverage.

The newly issued Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026, lay out registration and accreditation requirements for all “foreign media houses, organisations and outlets working in Pakistan,” along with journalists, freelancers, fixers and even sponsors associated with them.

Under the guidelines, any foreign media personnel already accredited with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s External Publicity (EP) Wing will now require prior clearance for movement outside the three major cities in order to produce any news content — including videos, documentaries or social media material — for official use. Even leisure trips to Abbottabad or Murree will require an NOC, though the ministry says such requests can be processed within three working days.

All journalists working for international outlets — including Pakistanis based abroad who contribute to foreign media — must now register through a dedicated online portal, alongside production houses and any individuals in Pakistan who provide services to foreign media organisations. Registration cards may be issued within seven working days, while full accreditation could take four to six weeks.

Rights groups including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have voiced strong concern over the new rules, warning they could further restrict press freedom in the country at a time when Pakistan is already grappling with a difficult media environment.