PEMRA suspends Geo News licence, channel apologises over Muharram programme

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has suspended the licence of Geo News for 15 days for airing a programme on the 10th of Muharram that the regulator said was “liable to hurt the religious sentiments of viewers”.

In its suspension order, PEMRA said the 15-day ban was imposed over the “unacceptable religious portrayal” featured in the June 26 broadcast.

The regulator said the transmission violated the terms and conditions of the channel’s licence, along with multiple provisions of PEMRA laws.

According to the regulator, the content was contrary to Pakistan’s religious, social and cultural values and had the potential to hurt the religious sentiments of viewers.

During the suspension period, Geo News’ broadcasts will remain suspended on satellite and all other distribution platforms. PEMRA has also directed all distributors and network operators to ensure strict compliance with the order.

The regulator said the channel had failed to exercise due editorial caution and that its internal review mechanism had failed to prevent the disputed content from being aired.

“The matter will be referred to PEMRA’s Council of Complaints for further proceedings and recommendations regarding any additional regulatory action,” the regulator said, adding that Geo News had also been directed to conduct a comprehensive internal inquiry into the incident and establish strict safeguards to prevent similar violations in the future.

Meanwhile, Geo News apologised for the content, acknowledging an error in the documentary *Safar-e-Ishq*, which aired on the 10th of Muharram (June 26).

The channel said the footage depicted certain religious rituals practised by a limited number of individuals in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries.

It said the segment was intended only to portray local customs rather than represent, endorse or promote any broader religious viewpoint.

The broadcaster said the content was neither produced by Geo News nor aired with any deliberate intent.

“We wish to clarify that Geo News strictly adheres to its policy of respecting the widely held beliefs and sensitivities of the Muslim Ummah,” the statement said, adding that the broadcast did not reflect the channel’s editorial stance or organisational beliefs.

The network said the disputed content was removed immediately after it came to its attention and that disciplinary action had already been taken against the personnel involved.

It added that clarifications and an on-air apology had been broadcast before any public reaction, expressing regret for the distress caused and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of religious respect.