ISLAMABAD, Feb 24: The government has included journalists in the category of people who will be required to obtain no-objection certificates (NOC) before going abroad. “The decision has been taken in the interest of Pakistan's security and to safeguard its prestige,” Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Mr Malik said that students going abroad on scholarship and artistes would need NOCs.

The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting presided over by Mr Malik.

In the first phase effective from March 15, all categories of visitors to India would be required to obtain NOC from the interior ministry. Detailed instructions are being issued in consultation with ministries of foreign affairs, culture, education and information.

Opinion

Editorial

IMF’s projections
Updated 18 Apr, 2024

IMF’s projections

The problems are well-known and the country is aware of what is needed to stabilise the economy; the challenge is follow-through and implementation.
Hepatitis crisis
18 Apr, 2024

Hepatitis crisis

THE sheer scale of the crisis is staggering. A new WHO report flags Pakistan as the country with the highest number...
Never-ending suffering
18 Apr, 2024

Never-ending suffering

OVER the weekend, the world witnessed an intense spectacle when Iran launched its drone-and-missile barrage against...
Saudi FM’s visit
Updated 17 Apr, 2024

Saudi FM’s visit

The government of Shehbaz Sharif will have to manage a delicate balancing act with Pakistan’s traditional Saudi allies and its Iranian neighbours.
Dharna inquiry
17 Apr, 2024

Dharna inquiry

THE Supreme Court-sanctioned inquiry into the infamous Faizabad dharna of 2017 has turned out to be a damp squib. A...
Future energy
17 Apr, 2024

Future energy

PRIME MINISTER Shehbaz Sharif’s recent directive to the energy sector to curtail Pakistan’s staggering $27bn oil...