Pakistan tightens grip on foreign media; draws backlash over shrinking press freedomThe Human Rights Commission of Pakistan criticised the government's Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026, warning they could restrict independent journalism. Criticising the measures, the HRCP said that rather than facilitating journalism, these guidelines would invariably “institutionalise bureaucratic control over news gathering and risk deterring independent reporting on matters of public interest.” “This is the latest in a growing pattern of restrictions on media freedom in Pakistan. Furthermore, several social media users in Pakistan recently reported difficulties accessing the international media outlet Al Jazeera website, and raised concerns over press freedom, internet restrictions, and the public’s right to access independent information. The reported restrictions on international media websites, along with concerns over internet access and media coverage during the unrest, have intensified discussions about transparency, press freedom, and the flow of independent information during periods of political instability.