DigiMAP warns foreign media rules hurt press freedom

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 6 August 2026 |  JP Staff Report

DigiMAP urged the government to withdraw guidelines restricting movement of foreign correspondents and Pakistani journalists with international outlets, saying the curbs hinder independent reporting and damage transparency.

Summary

ISLAMABAD —The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) has condemned the federal government's newly issued guidelines restricting the movement of foreign journalists and Pakistani journalists affiliated with international media organizations, calling the measures a serious threat to press freedom, transparency, and democratic values.

In a joint statement issued Thursday, DigiMAP President Sabookh Syed and Secretary General Adnan Amir urged the government to immediately withdraw the notification, arguing that it imposes unnecessary obstacles on journalists performing their professional duties and undermines the constitutional principle of freedom of expression. The statement comes amid growing criticism from media rights organizations over the government's new framework governing foreign media operations in Pakistan.

Restrictions on reporting

According to DigiMAP, the notification not only limits the movement of foreign correspondents outside designated cities without prior permission but also extends similar restrictions to Pakistani journalists working for international media organizations.

The organization said the measures would make independent reporting from different regions of the country increasingly difficult, particularly when journalists are unable to travel freely to locations where important events are unfolding.

"Journalists cannot effectively perform their professional duties if they are prevented from accessing areas where important developments take place," the statement said. "Restricting media access damages public trust, discourages transparent reporting, and sends an unfortunate message to the international community."

The criticism follows the government's publication of the "Guidelines for the Facilitation of the Foreign Media and Their Associates Working in Pakistan," which require registration and, in many cases, government clearance for reporting assignments outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. The Ministry of Information has maintained that the guidelines are intended to create a transparent and accountable framework rather than restrict media freedom.

Concerns over press freedom

DigiMAP said the new policy comes at a time when Pakistan is already facing international scrutiny over media freedom and argued that the government should instead facilitate responsible journalism and demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability.

The organization also warned that the restrictions could have direct consequences for Pakistani journalists employed by international news organizations. It said reporters who are unable to travel and report from different parts of the country may face professional setbacks and financial hardship if they cannot fulfill their reporting responsibilities.

The alliance further argued that limiting journalists' ability to gather information independently could reduce public access to verified reporting and weaken confidence in the free flow of information.

Calls for withdrawal

DigiMAP called on the federal government to withdraw the notification immediately and begin meaningful consultations with representative media organizations before introducing policies that affect journalistic work.

"The free flow of information is a cornerstone of every democratic society. Pakistan's image will be strengthened not by restricting journalists, but by ensuring openness, transparency, and respect for media freedom," the statement said.

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and said that if the notification remains in force, it will consult media stakeholders and consider democratic and legal avenues, including peaceful advocacy and protest, to protect journalists' rights.

DigiMAP's statement adds to a growing list of objections from Pakistani and international press freedom organizations, which have argued that the new guidelines risk increasing bureaucratic control over news gathering and discouraging independent reporting across the country.

ATTRIBUTION: Based on a public statement issued by DigiMAP on August 6, 2026. Additional context is based on the federal government's published foreign media guidelines and official statements by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, as well as reporting on the policy's rollout.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.