Pakistan Makes NOC Mandatory for Foreign Journalists Amid Rising Focus on PoK Protests

Pakistan has introduced sweeping new restrictions on foreign journalists, making prior government approval mandatory for reporting outside three major cities as international attention remains focused on unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The new regulations, issued under the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026, require accredited foreign media personnel to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before undertaking official reporting assignments beyond Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. The policy also mandates registration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's External Publicity (EP) Wing and introduces QR code-based accreditation cards for foreign journalists.

According to the guidelines, the NOC requirement applies to journalists, correspondents, documentary filmmakers, production crews, freelancers and other personnel working for international media organizations. The approval will be necessary for producing news reports, documentaries, videos and other official media content outside the three designated cities. Limited exemptions have been provided for personal travel to Abbottabad and Murree.

The move comes as Pakistan faces growing international scrutiny over continuing protests and political unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Demonstrations, reports of security crackdowns and concerns over restrictions on information have drawn widespread coverage from global media outlets in recent weeks, placing Islamabad's handling of the situation under increased international focus.

Media observers say the new framework could significantly affect the ability of foreign correspondents to report from sensitive regions, as journalists will now need official clearance before traveling for assignments. Critics argue that the additional approval process may delay or restrict independent reporting during fast-moving events, particularly in conflict-prone or politically sensitive areas.

Pakistan, however, maintains that the updated rules are aimed at streamlining the accreditation process and improving coordination with international media organizations. Officials say the guidelines establish a standardized system for registration, movement and accreditation of foreign journalists working in the country.

The media restrictions have also emerged amid reports that Pakistan has tightened access to news coverage related to developments in PoK. Several reports have suggested that authorities have increased oversight of media content and restricted access to platforms carrying extensive coverage of protests and the government's response in the region.

The latest measures are expected to intensify the debate over press freedom in Pakistan, with media rights groups closely monitoring how the new rules are implemented. As the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir continues to attract international attention, the government's approach toward foreign media is likely to remain under scrutiny.