Geo News resumes transmission after PEMRA issues final verdict on Muharram documentary

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ISLAMABAD: Geo News resumed its transmission on Sunday after the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued its final decision regarding the broadcast of a controversial documentary aired during the channel’s 10th Muharram special transmission.

In its written order dated July 11, PEMRA upheld its earlier decision to suspend the broadcaster’s licence for 15 days and imposed a fine of Rs10 million. The authority stated that the channel was allowed to resume transmission only after completing the suspension period and paying the prescribed penalty.

The regulator acknowledged that the broadcaster admitted negligence, issued unconditional public apologies across its platforms, and initiated disciplinary action against those responsible for the broadcast. However, PEMRA maintained that these measures could not eliminate the legal consequences of the violation.

As part of its directives, the authority instructed the broadcaster to terminate all employees found responsible for failing to prevent the airing of the disputed content. It further ruled that, subject to applicable laws, those individuals would not be eligible for future employment or association with any media outlet operating under a Pemra licence.

Pemra also ordered the channel to submit an affidavit confirming compliance with its directions and warned that any similar violation in the future could result in stricter penalties, including suspension or cancellation of its licence.

In addition, the regulator directed all television licensees to establish impartial in-house editorial monitoring committees to ensure thorough review of content before broadcast. It also announced that a separate directive would be issued requiring media organisations to strictly comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment in Suo Motu Case No. 28 of 2018.

The authority recalled that the suspension was originally imposed on June 27 after religiously sensitive visuals were aired during the programme (Safar-e-Ishqon) June 26. The matter was subsequently referred to the Council of Complaints, Lahore, which reviewed the case in multiple meetings before submitting its recommendations to Pemra. The regulator said it examined the complete record, heard the broadcaster’s representatives, and considered the views of the Council of Islamic Ideology before reaching its final decision.

Earlier, Geo News issued an unconditional apology, explaining that the footage depicted rituals practised by a limited number of people in Iraq and certain other Middle Eastern countries. The channel clarified that the visuals were intended only to portray local customs and were never meant to promote or endorse any particular religious viewpoint.

The broadcaster also stated that the footage had not been produced by the channel and was aired without any deliberate intent. It reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the religious beliefs and sensitivities of the Muslim Ummah, saying the content did not reflect its editorial policy or institutional stance.

According to the channel, the disputed material was removed immediately after the issue was identified, disciplinary action was taken against those involved, and a public clarification and apology were broadcast before widespread public reaction emerged. Geo News expressed regret over the incident and pledged to uphold the highest standards of editorial responsibility and religious respect in future broadcasts.