HRCP, PFUJ Warn New Foreign Media Rules Could Crush Press Freedom in Pakistan

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have jointly raised serious alarm over the government’s newly introduced foreign media regulations, warning that the measures pose a direct threat to press freedom in the country.nnIn a strongly worded statement, the journalists’ union said that such policies are typically seen in “banana republics” — not in nations that claim to be democratic. The organisations have urged authorities to reconsider the rules, insisting that independent journalism cannot survive under restrictions aimed at international media outlets.nnThe development has sparked fresh concerns among media professionals and rights groups, who fear the new framework could be used to silence critical reporting and limit the public’s access to information. Both HRCP and PFUJ have called for immediate dialogue and transparency, asking that any regulations be brought in line with democratic principles and constitutional guarantees.nn— Staff Report, Awam Kee Awaz