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.