Why has Pakistan introduced new guidelines for state oversight of foreign media? – analysis

Pakistan has introduced new "Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026" that expand state oversight of foreign media, requiring journalists to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry for reporting assignments outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. These guidelines apply to all foreign and international print, electronic, and digital media, including Pakistani journalists working for foreign outlets. The government states these measures are for administrative verification and facilitation, not restriction, but critics argue they will hinder breaking news coverage and independent reporting.

• The new rules allow for suspension or withdrawal of accreditation for misuse, involvement in offenses, false documents, or actions deemed contrary to Pakistan's ideology, sovereignty, security, or public order.
• This move follows criticism from Islamabad regarding foreign media's coverage of elections and unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with foreign journalists recently ordered to leave the region without an NOC.
• Journalist organizations like the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have strongly condemned the guidelines, warning they could jeopardize jobs and damage Pakistan's international image, which already ranks low in press freedom.
• These foreign media restrictions complement existing tightened controls over domestic media through expanded cybercrime laws, raising concerns about increased government oversight of media and online expression.