August 6, 2026
By Xari Jalil
ISLAMABAD
‘ARTICLE 19’, an international organisation that advocates the movement for freedom of expression, along with a coalition of Pakistani and international civil society organisations, have called on the Pakistani government to end what they describe as an ‘escalating crackdown on freedom of expression’, and warning that growing restrictions on journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders are undermining fundamental rights and democratic accountability.
In a joint statement addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, the organisations expressed alarm over what they said was an increasingly restrictive environment for independent journalism and civic engagement.
The groups said recent actions by the authorities reflect a broader pattern of using legal and administrative measures to curb dissent and limit public debate. According to the statement, laws and policies framed around national security, public order and misinformation have increasingly been used against journalists, activists and government critics.
The coalition argued that such measures are incompatible with Pakistan’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and the country’s international human rights obligations.
The organisations also voiced concern over increasing pressure on media outlets, criminal proceedings against journalists, online censorship and the use of cybercrime legislation to target individuals for expressing critical views.
The statement comes amid controversy over recently introduced Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, which require foreign journalists and Pakistani reporters working with international media organisations to obtain official approval before travelling outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for reporting assignments. Press freedom groups have criticised the policy, saying it places additional barriers on independent reporting, while the government says the guidelines are intended to facilitate and regulate media access.
Calling for immediate action, the coalition urged the government to ensure that journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders are able to carry out their work without intimidation, harassment or fear of prosecution. It also called on the authorities to review laws and policies that, it said, have been used to restrict peaceful expression and access to information. The organisations said safeguarding free expression is essential to democratic governance and urged Pakistan to uphold its commitments under both domestic law and international human rights standards.
Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) condemns move by govt
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.
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.