All foreign media personnel will now require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting before travelling outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi for news coverage. The requirement comes under the newly issued Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026.
The guidelines apply to foreign print, electronic, digital, and social media organisations operating in Pakistan. Moreover, accredited journalists must obtain approval before producing news reports, documentaries, videos, or social media content outside the three major cities.
However, journalists visiting Abbottabad or Murree for leisure may receive an NOC within three working days upon request.
New Registration And Accreditation Rules
The ministry has directed all foreign journalists to register through the External Publicity (EP) Wing’s online registration and accreditation portal. Pakistani journalists living abroad and contributing to foreign media must also complete the registration process.
Additionally, production houses, media facilitators, freelancers, and non-journalists working with foreign media in Pakistan must register with the EP Wing. Officials said registration provides professional recognition but does not grant official status.
Applications must include recommendations from the applicant’s organisation. Consequently, only eligible applicants will receive registration approval.
Accreditation Required For Official Access
Registered journalists seeking a Press Accreditation Card must apply through the online portal with the required documents. Permanent accreditation will remain valid for one year, while temporary accreditation will last up to three months.
After receiving accreditation, journalists will gain access to official media events and government premises. Furthermore, they must present the accreditation card whenever requested by authorities.
The ministry said registration cards may be issued within seven working days. Meanwhile, accreditation cards could take between four and six weeks to process.
