NOC, accreditation mandatory as Pakistan tightens curbs on foreign media

Pakistan has introduced new guidelines requiring foreign journalists and media personnel to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before travelling outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for news coverage, amid ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Under the new rules issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, all foreign media personnel registered with the External Publicity (EP) Wing must secure prior approval before producing news reports, documentaries, films, videos or social media content in other parts of the country.

The regulations also require journalists working for foreign media outlets to register online with the EP Wing, after which the government will issue QR code-based accreditation cards. Registration is expected within seven working days, while accreditation cards may take four to six weeks.

The rules apply to international print, broadcast and digital media organisations, including web-based platforms and social media outlets, as well as Pakistani journalists based abroad who contribute to foreign media.

The ministry said it reserves the right to approve or reject accreditation applications, with appeals allowed to the Information Secretary.

The new measures come as Pakistan faces growing international scrutiny over protests in PoK, where reports of demonstrations, internet shutdowns, restrictions on journalists and the alleged use of force during local elections have drawn criticism.

Rights groups including Amnesty International, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Article 19 have expressed concern over press freedom restrictions, communication blackouts and alleged enforced disappearances of journalists. Amnesty has also called for an independent investigation into reports of excessive force against protesters in Rawalakot.