world 📰 Pakistan clamps down on foreign media after POK crackdown
Pakistan has introduced strict new rules requiring foreign journalists to get prior government approval for reporting nationwide. This move targets foreign media following international criticism regarding the crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The new Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026, restrict operations to Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. These guidelines formalize controls, requiring registration for everyone involved, including freelancers. Authorities hold broad discretion to revoke accreditation based on vaguely defined national security concerns. 📰