Pakistan’s authorities impose new restrictions on international media reporting, including barring coverage in most of the country. The rules require anyone—including Pakistani nationals—to seek permission to report from Pakistan, with reporting allowed without prior permission only in three cities: Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. The regulations come into effect shortly after the killing of dozens of protesters, an incident that had been covered mainly by overseas news outlets. Pakistani and international journalist organizations describe the measures as a significant setback for press freedom and say the requirement for permission would limit who can report and what they can cover.
The government’s stated basis for the rules is not detailed in the available reporting, but the timing and the broad scope of the restriction have triggered criticism from media groups. The impact is expected to affect both foreign journalists and local reporters seeking to work with international outlets, as coverage would be constrained outside the three designated cities unless permission is obtained.
