The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has required all journalists affiliated with foreign media organizations, whether local or foreign, to secure a no-objection certificate (NOC) before traveling to any city outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for news coverage.
The Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026, are applicable to “foreign media houses, organizations and outlets working in Pakistan and all eligible journalists, media owners, media professionals, sources, freelancers, sponsors, fixers, attached persons, assignees etc, of Pakistan working or contributing for them.”
It requires all such entities and personnel to register with the External Publicity Wing and secure NOCs prior to any travel outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi that aims to produce “news content, story, video, film, documentary or social media content” for official use.
The advisory states that personnel seeking leisure trips to Abbottabad and Murree can secure a NOC within three working days. The guidelines are applicable on all foreign or international print, electronic and digital media, including social media and web-based platforms.
“All Pakistani journalists residing abroad, contributing to foreign media and seeking registration must submit their application through the EP Wing portal and concurrently forward their case through the nearest press attaché, counselor, minister posted in Pakistan missions, consulates, high commissions, or embassies,” it adds.
Additionally, all companies, entities, production houses etc. operating in Pakistan to facilitate foreign media “in any capacity” are also required to register with the ministry’s publicity wing, as are non-journalists living in Pakistan who render services to foreign media. “Registration shall not confer any official status and only establishes professional recognition,” reads the notification, adding registrations would only be considered if supported by a recommendation from the head of the organization.
After registration, journalists must seek press accreditation through an official request. Accreditation can be granted either annually or on temporary basis for visiting journalists, valid for a maximum of three months. All accreditation cards must be surrendered upon change of category or organization, or upon the completion of the accreditation tenure.