Foreign journalists working in Pakistan will face new travel requirements under recently issued media guidelines. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB) will require accredited foreign media personnel to obtain a no-objection certificate before travelling outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for news coverage.
The new policy introduces a broader framework for foreign media registration, accreditation and movement across the country. It applies to international print, electronic and digital outlets, including web-based platforms and social media organisations.
NOC Required for Travel Outside Major Cities
Under the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026, foreign journalists registered with the MOIB’s External Publicity (EP) Wing must obtain an NOC before travelling to other cities for professional work.
The requirement applies when journalists plan to produce “news content, story, video, film, documentary or social media content” for official use.
However, the guidelines provide a limited exception for leisure travel. Foreign journalists may request an NOC to visit Abbottabad or Murree. The EP Wing may issue such requests within three working days.
Foreign Media Registration Made Mandatory
The guidelines cover foreign and international print, electronic and digital media outlets. Social media and web-based platforms also fall under the new framework.
Foreign journalists working for international media organisations must register through the EP Wing’s designated online registration and accreditation portal.
Pakistani journalists living abroad also face registration requirements when they contribute to foreign media. They must apply through the EP Wing portal and send their cases through the relevant press attaché, counsellor, minister or diplomatic mission.
Companies and production houses that provide services to foreign media in Pakistan must also register. The same requirement applies to non-journalists who provide services to international media organisations.
Registration Does Not Provide Official Status
The guidelines clarify that registration does not automatically provide journalists with official government status.
“Registration shall not confer any official status and only establishes professional recognition,” the notification stated.
Applications must also carry a recommendation from the head of the relevant media organisation. Once registered, journalists can apply separately for press accreditation through the online portal.
The government will issue two categories of accreditation. Permanent accreditation will operate on an annual basis, while temporary accreditation will cover visiting journalists for up to three months.
Accreditation Cards Required for Official Access
Once the EP Wing issues an accreditation card, journalists will receive assistance in accessing official media events and government premises.
However, journalists must carry and present their accreditation cards whenever authorities request them. They must also return the cards after changing their media organisation or accreditation category.
The government has also set timelines for processing applications. Registration cards may be issued within seven working days after submission.
Meanwhile, accreditation cards can take between four and six weeks. The ministry may also request additional documents or information during the review process.
The new framework therefore creates a more structured system for foreign media operations in Pakistan. While registration and accreditation will provide access to official activities, journalists travelling beyond the three designated cities for professional coverage must now plan around the additional NOC requirement.
