- Pakistan has imposed new reporting restrictions after foreign media reported on protests and polls in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
- The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), and Amnesty International condemned the restrictions as attacks on media freedom.
- The PFUJ warned of protests if the ban is not lifted, demanding immediate action from the government.
- The HRCP urged the government to withdraw the restrictive measures and uphold its obligations to protect freedom of expression.
- The PFUJ criticized the new rules, stating they attack freedom of expression and hinder press freedom.
- The HRCP stated that the requirement for state approval to report sends a chilling message that critical reporting is unwelcome.
- The HRCP noted that these restrictions are part of a growing pattern of media freedom limitations in Pakistan.
- The PFUJ highlighted that Pakistan is ranked very low in terms of press freedom, and the government's actions would worsen this situation.
Journalists and rights organizations have condemned Pakistan's new reporting restrictions, which they argue threaten media freedom.1
The Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026 require foreign journalists to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Information Ministry to travel outside major cities for news coverage.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) criticized these measures, stating they amount to an attack on freedom of expression and questioning how journalists can fulfill their duties under such constraints.2358
“This is the latest in a growing pattern of restrictions on media freedom in Pakistan. From arbitrary curbs on reporting and increasing censorship to legal and administrative barriers, the space for independent journalism has continued to shrink,” the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) stated.467
The PFUJ warned of protests if the government does not lift the ban, emphasizing that Pakistan's already low press freedom ranking would worsen.
“Pakistan is already ranked very low among the countries that have the worst record in press freedom. And the action of the government would add to it,” the PFUJ added.
Amnesty International also urged the government to end escalating restrictions on freedom of expression, including press freedom and access to information.
The guidelines further stipulate that all entities facilitating foreign media must register with the Ministry’s External Publicity Wing, and press registrations can be suspended for acts deemed against the country’s ideology or security.
The HRCP called for the government to uphold its constitutional and international obligations to protect freedom of expression.
“The restrictions follow foreign media coverage of protests and polls in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir that left several dead. HRCP says requiring state approval to report from large parts of the country sends a chilling message that critical reporting is unwelcome.”
