Pakistan has introduced new guidelines for foreign media organisations, making registration, accreditation and prior permission mandatory for journalists reporting from areas outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
Under the new rules, foreign journalists and media outlets will require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before conducting reporting activities in other parts of the country. The measures are aimed at regulating the movement and operations of foreign media personnel working in Pakistan.
Pakistan has unveiled sweeping new guidelines for foreign media, mandating registration, accreditation, and NOCs for reporting outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. pic.twitter.com/XxW19pwzjp
— Shalinder Wangu (@Wangu_News18) August 4, 2026
The guidelines require foreign media organisations to complete a formal registration process and obtain necessary accreditation before carrying out journalistic assignments.
Authorities have also introduced additional approval requirements for coverage outside the three major cities.
The move is expected to impact foreign correspondents who regularly travel across Pakistan for reporting on political, security, social and economic issues.
The government has not provided detailed reasons behind the new restrictions, but the regulations come amid ongoing discussions around media operations, security concerns and oversight of foreign journalists in the country.
The implementation of the new framework will determine how foreign media organisations manage reporting assignments in regions beyond Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
