ISLAMABAD: The federal government has introduced the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026, laying down a new regulatory framework for foreign media organisations, journalists and affiliated personnel working in Pakistan, including mandatory registration, accreditation and movement requirements.
According to the five-page guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s External Publicity (EP) Wing, all journalists, freelancers, stringers, fixers, sponsors, media professionals, media owners and other individuals associated with foreign or international media outlets will be required to register with the EP Wing.
The guidelines apply to all foreign print, electronic, digital, social media and web-based news platforms operating in Pakistan.
Under the new rules, all Pakistan-based journalists contributing to foreign media in any capacity must complete their registration through the EP Wing’s online portal. Pakistani journalists residing abroad will be required to submit their applications through the portal as well as the nearest Pakistani embassy, high commission or consulate.
The government has also made registration mandatory for production houses, companies and other entities facilitating foreign media operations in Pakistan. However, the guidelines clarify that registration does not confer any official status on the applicant.
Journalists seeking press accreditation must apply separately after registration by submitting the required documents and recommendations from their respective media organisations. Permanent accreditation will be issued on an annual basis, while visiting foreign journalists may be granted temporary accreditation for up to three months.
The guidelines state that the EP Wing’s accreditation card does not designate the holder as an official representative of the Government of Pakistan and cannot be used for visa purposes unless specifically recommended by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting through diplomatic channels.
According to the document, registration cards may be issued within seven working days, while accreditation cards could take four to six weeks. The EP Wing may also seek additional information or documents during the application process.
The ministry has reserved the authority to suspend or withdraw registration or accreditation in cases involving misuse of accreditation cards, submission of false or forged documents, failure to notify the EP Wing of organisational changes within the prescribed time, or activities deemed to be against Pakistan’s ideology, sovereignty, security or public order.
The guidelines also require all registered or accredited foreign media personnel to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the EP Wing before travelling outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for official reporting assignments, including the production of news reports, documentaries, films or social media content.
For private or leisure visits to Abbottabad and Murree, the EP Wing may issue an NOC within three working days upon request.
The ministry further announced that only QR code-enabled PVC accreditation cards issued by the EP Wing will be recognised under the new framework.
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