Journalism watchdogs in Pakistan are sounding alarms over a fresh set of administrative hurdles that they say will effectively seal off most of the country from independent foreign reporting. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have both issued sharp rebukes of the newly announced 'Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026', framing the move as an escalation in a broader campaign to silence critical coverage. Main Developments The new guidelines shift the burden of travel approval onto foreign media personnel, mandating a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the information ministry for any reporting trip outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. This requirement extends to the production of "news content, story, video, film, documentary or social media content" intended for official use, according to the notification. Beyond individual journalists, the rules also compel all entities that facilitate foreign media "in any capacity" to register with the ministry's External Publicity (EP) Wing. The registration mandate reaches even non-journalists residing in Pakistan who provide services to international press operations, broadening the state's oversight net. Read also: Why Pakistan's Interior Minister Is Defending a 'Destroyed' System HRCP issued its statement on Wednesday, arguing that the requirement to obtain state approval for reporting from large parts of the country "sends a chilling message: that critical reporting is unwelcome." The commission warned that the rules would "invariably institutionalise bureaucratic control over news gathering and risk deterring independent reporting on matters of public interest." PFUJ followed with a "strong condemnation" on Thursday, with President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari characterising the guidelines as an "attacking of the freedom of expression and putting curbs on press freedom." The union highlighted a critical loophole: Pakistani journalists working for international outlets are also barred from visiting these areas independently, effectively halting their professional operations. The guidelines carry a punitive clause, allowing the suspension or withdrawal of an individual's press registration for "acts against ideology, sovereignty, security or public order of Pakistan," a provision the EP Wing can invoke "deems appropriate at any stage." This discretionary power, critics argue, creates an environment of uncertainty for any journalist venturing beyond the three permitted cities. Background These new restrictions arrive against a backdrop of what HRCP describes as a "growing pattern of restrictions on media freedom in Pakistan." The rights body points to arbitrary curbs on reporting, increasing censorship, and mounting legal and administrative barriers that have steadily shrunk the space for independent journalism. Pakistan's standing on global press freedom indices is already precarious, a point PFUJ emphasised in its statement. The union noted that the country "is already ranked very low among the countries that have the worst record in press freedom," and warned that the government's latest action would only worsen that reputation. Why It Matters The practical implications extend beyond foreign correspondents to local livelihoods. PFUJ argued that if Pakistani journalists working with global media outlets cannot travel, they will be unable to perform their duties, leading to potential job losses. "Naturally, if Pakistani journalists working with global media outlets are unable to visit different areas, it means they would not be able to perform their professional responsibilities," the statement contended. The restrictions also carry reputational costs. PFUJ leaders asserted that such actions "are taken in banana republics, not in countries that claim to follow democratic principles," and warned the move would "only bring disrepute to Pakistan and damage its image." HRCP, meanwhile, urged the government to withdraw the measures and uphold its constitutional and international obligations to protect freedom of expression. What's Next PFUJ has issued a direct ultimatum to the government, demanding an immediate lifting of the ban if it believes in democracy and press freedom. The union has warned that if its demands are not accepted, it will be left with "no option but to resort to protest and demonstrations." The coming weeks will reveal whether the government responds to these calls or holds firm on the new guidelines. The question of how international media outlets will adapt their coverage strategies within the three permitted cities — and whether they will challenge the NOC requirement — remains open as the rules take effect.