Balochistan Assembly Imposes New Media Restrictions, Free Access for Journalists Limited Under Revised SOPs

Quetta – The Balochistan Provincial Assembly Secretariat has issued new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) restricting media access within the assembly premises, citing administrative, security, and operational reasons.
According to a circular issued by Assembly Secretary Tahir Shah Kakar, the new guidelines have been implemented with immediate effect.
Under the revised SOPs, journalists will no longer be allowed to freely move within the assembly premises. Instead, their access and reporting areas have been strictly defined.
Key restrictions include:

Ban on Car Porch Area: Media personnel are prohibited from standing in the car porch area located in front of the glass gate (Shisha Gate) inside the assembly premises.

Designated Media Point: A temporary shed along with a podium will be set up in a small lawn near the VVIP main entrance gate. Only this designated area will be used for media briefings and press interactions by the Chief Minister, ministers, members of the assembly, and official spokespersons.

Restricted Access: Journalists will only be allowed access to the designated media shed area, media cell, and press gallery.

VVIP Gate Movement: Entry and movement through the Shisha Gate (VVIP main gate) will be strictly restricted and reserved only for the Chief Minister and authorized assembly staff.

Restricted Mobility: No journalist or unauthorized person will be allowed free movement in restricted or sensitive areas of the assembly premises.

The Assembly Secretariat has urged media representatives to cooperate with the new security and administrative arrangements and ensure compliance with the issued directives.