Pakistan tightens curbs on foreign media (Reuters image)
Pakistan Establishes New Guidelines for Foreign Media Operations
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) has issued new guidelines that create a detailed framework for the registration, accreditation, and movement of foreign media organizations and journalists in the country. These guidelines aim to regulate how foreign media operates within Pakistan, ensuring compliance with local laws and standards.
Once the external publicity wing issues the accreditation card, it will “facilitate” journalists’ access to official media events and government premises.
“All Pakistani journalists residing abroad, contributing to foreign media and seeking registration must submit their application through the EP Wing portal and concurrently forward their case through the nearest press attaché, counsellor, minister posted in Pakistan missions, consulates, high commissions, or embassies,” the MOIB said, as cited by Dawn. Additionally, the guidelines require all companies, entities, production houses and other organisations operating in Pakistan to facilitate foreign media “in any capacity” to register with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s publicity wing. Under the rules, journalists are exempt from the No Objection Certificate (NOC) requirement when travelling within Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. For personal travel to Abbottabad and Murree, they may apply for an NOC through the ministry’s External Publicity (EP) Wing, with approvals expected within three working days. The regulations also require production houses, companies, freelancers, fixers and non-journalists providing services to foreign media in Pakistan to register with the ministry. It clarified that the registration is intended solely for professional recognition and does not grant any official status.