ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) on Monday issued the guidelines for the facilitation of foreign journalists, foreign media and their associates working in Pakistan, titled “Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines – 2026”.
According to the five-page guidelines issued by the ministry’s External Publicity Wing (EP Wing), registration with the EP Wing will be mandatory for all journalists, freelancers, stringers, fixers, sponsors, media professionals, media owners, and other relevant individuals working with foreign or international media outlets in Pakistan.
The document states that these guidelines will apply to all foreign media platforms, including print, electronic, digital, social media, and web-based outlets.
“All non-journalists residing in Pakistan rendering services to foreign media shall register themselves on the portal for their mandatory registration with EP Wing,” the guidelines stated.
Pakistani journalists based abroad will have to submit their applications through the EP Wing portal as well as through the nearest Pakistani embassy or high commission, it added.
The guidelines further state that registration will also be mandatory for all companies, production houses, and institutions facilitating foreign media operations. However, registration alone will not grant any individual official status.
According to the document, registration has also been made mandatory for all companies, production houses, and institutions facilitating foreign media operations. However, registration alone will not grant any individual official status.
Under the guidelines, journalists seeking press accreditation will be required to apply online after completing registration and submitting the required documents.
“Permanent accreditation will be issued for one year, while journalists visiting Pakistan temporarily will be granted accreditation for a maximum period of three months.”
The document clarifies that an EP Wing accreditation card does not designate any person as an official representative of the Government of Pakistan and cannot be used for visa purposes unless the Ministry of Information recommends it through diplomatic channels.
According to the guidelines, registration cards may be issued within seven working days, while accreditation cards may take four to six weeks. The EP Wing may also request additional information or documents if deemed necessary.
The document states that registration or accreditation may be suspended or cancelled if a person misuses the accreditation card, submits forged documents, fails to timely inform the authorities about changing or leaving an organisation, or is found to be involved in activities against the sovereignty, security, ideology, or public order of Pakistan.
Under the guidelines, individuals associated with previously registered or accredited foreign media organisations will be required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the EP Wing before producing official reports, documentaries, films, or social media content in any city other than Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. However, for private or recreational visits to Abbottabad and Murree, an NOC may be issued within three working days upon application. The guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information further state that, in the future, only PVC accreditation cards with QR codes issued by the EP Wing will be accepted.
The document states that if a person misuses an accreditation card, submits forged documents, fails to timely report changes in affiliation or separation from an organisation, or is found to be involved in activities against the sovereignty, security, ideology, or public order of Pakistan, their registration or accreditation may be suspended or cancelled.
Under the guidelines, individuals associated with pre-registered or accredited foreign media organisations will be required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the External Publicity (EP) Wing before producing official reports, documentaries, films, or social media content in any city other than Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. However, an NOC may be issued within three working days upon request for private or recreational visits to Abbottabad and Murree.
The guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information further state that, in the future, only PVC accreditation cards bearing a QR code and issued by the EP Wing will be considered valid.
