Pakistan expanded government control over international media operations through new rules requiring anyone working for a foreign news organization to register with the authorities, obtain official accreditation and secure prior approval before reporting outside Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, Arab News reported on Aug. 5. The Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026 cover not only foreign correspondents but also Pakistani reporters, freelancers, stringers, fixers, translators, camera crews, production companies and others providing services to international outlets.