Pakistani authorities ban international media from reporting in most of country
Summary
Pakistani authorities have introduced strict new rules that require international media and Pakistani journalists working for foreign outlets to get permission before reporting anywhere in Pakistan except three cities. This move follows coverage of violent protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and has caused concern among journalists and rights groups about press freedom.Key Facts
- International media must now seek permission to report from Pakistan, except in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
- Pakistan ranks 153rd out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index.
- The new restrictions are called the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026.
- These rules came after international reporting on deadly protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
- Al Jazeera’s website is blocked in Pakistan after its coverage of the protests.
- Journalists can lose their accreditation for actions considered against Pakistan’s ideology, sovereignty, security, or public order.
- The government says the rules are not meant to completely restrict journalists’ movement.
- Journalists and experts say the guidelines have vague terms and could limit free speech and truthful reporting.
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