Pakistan tightens grip on foreign media, imposes new travel rules

August 10, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan has introduced new restrictions governing the movement of personnel working for foreign media organisations, extending controls for the first time to Pakistani journalists, fixers and other locally hired staff.

Under the new guidelines circulated by the Ministry of Information, Pakistani nationals employed by foreign media outlets must obtain government approval before travelling outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for reporting assignments. They will also be required to register with the authorities.

Previously, movement restrictions primarily applied to foreign journalists working in Pakistan, particularly when travelling beyond the country's three major cities. The latest measures now cover all foreign media organisations operating in the country, according to Reuters.

The government has not publicly explained the reason behind the expanded restrictions, which come amid continuing protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and heightened insurgent activity in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Human Rights Watch raised concerns over the measures, warning that the restrictions could undermine independent journalism and contribute to greater self-censorship. Patricia Gossman, the group's associate Asia director, described the move as an alarming development for press freedom and urged the authorities to reverse it.

Pakistan's Ministry of Information and the military did not respond to requests for comment. A government official, speaking anonymously, said the measures were not designed to restrict criticism of the government or legitimate investigative reporting.

Several international media organisations also expressed concern. The Financial Times said it supports journalists' ability to report freely and independently, while the BBC described the restrictions as extremely concerning and called for their reversal. CNN and other foreign outlets did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Reuters, which operates an Islamabad bureau and works with journalists and contributors across Pakistan, said its position was that journalists should be able to report news wherever they are.

The new guidelines were circulated by the Information Ministry on Sunday through a WhatsApp channel used to communicate with foreign media organisations.

A separate government notice issued on Monday instructed foreign outlets without reporting permission to leave Pakistan-administered Kashmir immediately.

The developments follow a series of restrictions previously imposed on foreign journalists travelling to Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir has been holding regional elections since late July, with the electoral process disrupted by deadly clashes between protesters boycotting the vote and security forces.

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