Pakistani authorities restrict international media, requiring permission to report outside major cities

Pakistani authorities have imposed new restrictions on international media, requiring foreign and Pakistani nationals working for international outlets to seek permission to report from outside Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. These guidelines, criticized by journalist organizations, aim to "facilitate access" but are seen as curtailing press freedom. Journalists can lose accreditation for acts deemed against national security or public order. International media groups plan to meet the information minister to discuss concerns.