Pakistan Imposes Travel Curbs on Media, Sparking Global Criticism
Restrictions on media freedom during unrest signal potential suppression of dissent.
Pakistan imposed new restrictions on foreign and local media, requiring Pakistani nationals working for foreign outlets to obtain government permission to travel outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. The guidelines also mandate registration with the government. This comes amid protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and insurgencies in western provinces. Human rights groups like Human Rights Watch expressed concern over threats to press freedom, while media organizations such as Reuters, Financial Times, and BBC criticized the move. A spokesperson for Reuters stated that journalists should be free to report wherever they are. The new restrictions were posted on a WhatsApp channel used by the government's Information Ministry. Pakistan ranks 153rd in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.
5 AUG 2026
— BBC
Pakistani authorities restrict international media, requiring permission to report outside major cities
6 AUG 2026
— Times of India
Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif government has implemented strict restrictions on journalists covering PoK elections and protests, including requiring foreign media to obtain permission for travel outside major cities.
7 AUG 2026
· THIS STORY — NDTV
Pakistan implemented new media restrictions, requiring foreign journalists to obtain government permission for travel and register with the government.
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