International media has reported on the crackdown by the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) administration and the anti-government movement. This has left the Shahbaz Sharif government in a state of shock. This time, Islamabad has cracked down on foreign media to hide the real situation. A directive has been issued, stating that foreign media will not be able to report on certain areas of Pakistan without government permission. This directive, issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan, will apply to all international print, electronic and digital media, including web-based platforms and social media.
Local people in occupied Kashmir have been protesting for a long time against several issues including food and electricity price hikes. Since June, 90 people have been killed due to the continuous repression by the Pakistani government against them. Pakistan has faced international criticism for suppressing the protests in this way. In this situation, the Shahbaz government has taken the initiative to stifle the pen of the international media. The new guidelines state that from now on, the administration will register foreign media organizations and their employees. Only after the government gives approval, the organization or media worker will be able to report. In addition, the Pakistani Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will monitor the complete movements of the journalist, where he is going, who he has spoken to, and who he has spoken to.
Even registered international journalists will not be able to report without a permit from the Pakistani government. This directive will apply to news, documentaries, films, videos and social media content. According to the directive, there is no obligation to obtain an NOC for major cities like Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. However, to travel to Abbottabad and Murree, journalists can obtain an NOC from the EP Wing on application. It is expected that the approval will be received within three working days.
Incidentally, the Shahbaz Sharif government has banned the international media outlet Al Jazeera for its “accusation” of publishing a series of reports on the anti-government movement and the administration’s repression in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). They have accused the world-famous media outlet of “yellow journalism”.
Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry has strongly criticized Al Jazeera’s “misleading” and “targeted” reporting. The ministry claims that the media has selectively broadcast some information and statements of certain individuals, misrepresenting the election and voting process in the “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” (AJK) region. However, international experts claim that the Shahbaz Sharif government is uncomfortable with the truth about PoK coming out. That is why restrictions are being imposed on the media.