Islamabad, August 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Amid continuing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), new media guidelines introduced by Pakistani authorities have raised concerns over press freedom, with critics warning that the rules could expose journalists to administrative action and restrict independent reporting.
According to an opinion piece published by The Global Kashmir, the guidelines come against the backdrop of reports from PoJK alleging deaths, arrests, detentions, intimidation and the use of force against protesters.
The unrest has also affected the electoral process in the region, with elections originally scheduled in a single phase being divided into three phases. Reports also emerged of low voter turnout and alleged irregularities during polling, the article said.
International media outlets, including Al Jazeera, reported on the protests, unrest and election-related violence. Pakistan subsequently criticised Al Jazeera for what it described as selective reporting and “yellow journalism” and imposed a ban on the broadcaster in the country.
The report said Pakistan subsequently introduced the “Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026”, under which international journalists and Pakistani journalists working for foreign media organisations, including social media and internet-based platforms, are required to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Information Ministry for official assignments, particularly when working outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
The guidelines also reportedly allow authorities to suspend or revoke the accreditation of journalists or media organisations for conduct deemed contrary to Pakistan’s ideology, sovereignty, security or public order.
According to the report, foreign journalists travelling to Abbottabad or Murree, areas close to PoJK, even for leisure purposes would also require an NOC.
The measures have drawn criticism from international press freedom organisations. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Pakistani authorities to withdraw the guidelines, describing them as “draconian” and warning that they could restrict coverage of unrest in PoJK.
Waliullah Rahmani, CPJ’s Afghanistan and Pakistan representative, said the guidelines could further limit international media coverage and expose journalists to administrative retaliation.
CPJ also alleged that Pakistani authorities had restricted coverage of protests demanding electoral reforms in PoJK following reports by international outlets about alleged police brutality during clashes with demonstrators. The organisation further alleged that mobile and internet services had been suspended.
The developments have intensified concerns among press freedom advocates that restrictions on journalists could limit independent reporting from PoJK and make it more difficult for information about the situation on the ground to reach the international community.
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