RMNP Demands Immediate Withdrawal of Restrictive Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026
Rural Media Network Pakistan (RMNP) has expressed serious concern over the newly introduced Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026, calling the regulations a significant setback for press freedom and independent journalism in Pakistan.
In a statement issued on Friday, RMNP urged the Government of Pakistan to immediately withdraw the new foreign media reporting rules, arguing that they impose unnecessary restrictions on the work of international journalists and Pakistani media professionals associated with foreign news organizations.
Under the new guidelines, foreign correspondents, Pakistani employees of international media organizations, contributors, and freelance journalists are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before undertaking reporting assignments in any part of Pakistan outside Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. The approval process will be administered through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s External Publicity Wing.
RMNP noted that the policy provides no clear timeframe for issuing NOCs, creating uncertainty that could delay reporting on important national developments, emergencies, disasters, elections, and other matters of public interest. The organization warned that such administrative hurdles could seriously impede timely and independent news coverage from provinces, border regions, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The network further expressed concern over provisions allowing the suspension or cancellation of journalists’ accreditation for actions considered contrary to Pakistan’s “ideology, sovereignty, security or public order.” RMNP stated that these terms are broadly worded and may be interpreted arbitrarily, creating an environment of uncertainty and self-censorship among journalists.
RMNP emphasized that Pakistan has repeatedly committed itself to protecting freedom of expression and media independence under the Constitution and its international human rights obligations. Any regulatory framework governing media should facilitate, rather than restrict, legitimate journalistic work.
The organization called upon the federal government to engage in meaningful consultations with journalist representative bodies, media organizations, press freedom groups, and civil society before implementing any regulations affecting media operations. RMNP stressed that transparency, accountability, and democratic governance are strengthened through unrestricted access to information and independent reporting.
“Instead of imposing additional bureaucratic barriers, the government should adopt policies that promote a free, safe, and enabling environment for journalists, both domestic and international,” the statement said.
RMNP reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to defending media freedom and urged the government to withdraw the Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026, and replace them with a transparent, consultative, and rights-based framework that is consistent with democratic principles and international standards on freedom of the press.
