ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has introduced new guidelines for foreign media organisations, correspondents and associated personnel working in Pakistan.
The External Publicity (EP) Wing of the ministry has issued the “Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026”, making registration mandatory for all international print, electronic, digital, and social media platforms operating in the country.
Under the new policy, foreign media outlets, along with their local and international staff, including journalists, freelancers, fixers, stringers, non-journalist personnel, and production houses, will be required to register through a dedicated online portal of the EP Wing.
According to the guidelines, registration cards will be issued within seven days of submitting an online application, while accreditation cards will be issued within four to six weeks. Only cards carrying QR codes will be considered valid.
The policy states that journalists will require a formal No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the EP Wing to cover news, film, video, or other content-related activities in areas outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
However, applications for recreational visits to destinations such as Abbottabad and Murree will be processed separately, with NOCs expected to be issued within three working days.
The ministry said registrations and accreditations may be suspended or cancelled in cases involving violations of rules, misinformation, or activities deemed contrary to national security and interests.
