HRCP, PFUJ slam new foreign media rules

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have strongly

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have strongly criticised the government’s newly introduced Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026, describing the policy as a serious threat to press freedom and independent journalism.

The criticism comes after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reminded foreign media organisations that journalists must obtain prior government approval before carrying out reporting assignments outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi under the revised External Publicity Guidelines. The ministry issued the reminder following concerns over international coverage related to Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement, the HRCP said the new guidelines could discourage independent reporting on issues of public interest instead of facilitating journalistic work. The commission expressed concern that the policy reflects an increasing trend of restrictions on media freedom, including tighter controls on reporting and growing administrative hurdles for journalists.

According to the rights body, requiring official permission before reporting from many parts of the country could create an atmosphere where critical journalism is discouraged. It urged the government to withdraw the new measures and ensure protection of freedom of expression in line with constitutional guarantees and international commitments.

The PFUJ also condemned the notification, calling it a direct attack on press freedom. The journalists’ union argued that the policy not only limits the movement of foreign correspondents but also places restrictions on Pakistani journalists working for international media organisations.

PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari questioned how journalists would be able to perform their professional responsibilities if access to large parts of the country is restricted. They warned that the policy could affect Pakistan’s international reputation and further weaken its standing in global press freedom rankings.

The union also expressed concern that Pakistani journalists employed by foreign media organisations could face job losses if they are prevented from reporting from different regions of the country.