ISLAMABAD: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have criticised new government rules requiring foreign media personnel to obtain permission before travelling outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi for reporting assignments.
According to the newly issued Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026, foreign journalists must secure official approval before visiting other cities for news coverage. Consequently, the move has triggered concerns among media rights organisations.
The HRCP said the requirement sends a chilling message by suggesting that critical reporting is unwelcome. Moreover, it argued that the rules would institutionalise bureaucratic control over news gathering.
The commission warned that the guidelines could discourage independent reporting on issues of public interest. Furthermore, it described the measure as part of a broader pattern of restrictions affecting media freedom in Pakistan.
According to the HRCP, independent journalism has faced increasing challenges through censorship, reporting restrictions, and legal barriers. Therefore, it urged the government to withdraw the new measures and uphold constitutional and international commitments to freedom of expression.
Meanwhile, the PFUJ strongly condemned the guidelines, describing them as a direct restriction on press freedom. Its leadership argued that the rules also limit the movement of Pakistani journalists working with international media organisations.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari questioned how foreign correspondents and their local colleagues could perform professional duties under the new framework.
The union also warned that the restrictions could harm Pakistan’s international image and negatively affect journalists employed by global media outlets. Consequently, it said some professionals could face job losses if they cannot report from different regions.
PFUJ urged the government to withdraw the restrictions immediately. It also warned that the organisation would launch protests and demonstrations if its demands remain unaddressed.
