Maulana Kokab Noorani welcomes Geo’s swift apology and action

In a video statement, Maulana Kokab Noorani Okarvi said the broadcaster had taken notice of the matter on its own, immediately removed the disputed content, and issued a public apology. He described these actions as a responsible and commendable response to a sensitive issue.

The scholar emphasized that every sincere Muslim strives to live according to the teachings of Islam and follows the guidance of the Holy Quran and Sunnah. He said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the most honored and exalted of all creation, and that respect, love, and reverence for him are central to the faith of every Muslim.

He further stated that everything associated with the Prophet (peace be upon him), including his family, wives, companions, descendants, and Ahl al-Bayt, deserves the highest level of respect. According to him, love for the Prophet is the essence of faith, while honoring him is a defining characteristic of a true believer.

Commenting on the broadcaster’s response, Maulana Okarvi said the organization had expressed unconditional repentance and made it clear that it had no intention of promoting or endorsing anything that could be considered offensive, inappropriate, or inconsistent with Islamic teachings. He added that no sincere Muslim would knowingly participate in actions that hurt religious sentiments or undermine sacred values.

The scholar also appreciated the disciplinary measures taken against those involved in producing and approving the documentary segment that contained the disputed visuals. He said such action reflected accountability and demonstrated the organization’s willingness to correct mistakes and prevent similar incidents in the future.

He also praised the country’s electronic media regulator for taking prompt notice of the matter. However, he urged the authority to remain vigilant and ensure that similar incidents, regardless of the platform or media organization involved, receive equal scrutiny and appropriate action.

In its official statement, the broadcaster acknowledged the mistake made during its Muharram special transmission and offered an unconditional apology to viewers. It explained that the visuals showed certain rituals practiced by a limited number of individuals in Iraq and some other Middle Eastern countries. The organization clarified that the footage was included only to depict local customs and was never intended to represent, endorse, or promote a broader religious viewpoint.

The broadcaster further stated that the material had not been produced by its own editorial team and was not aired with any deliberate intention to offend religious beliefs or sentiments. It reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the widely accepted beliefs and sensitivities of the Muslim community, adding that the disputed content was removed immediately and disciplinary action was taken against those responsible before further review. The organization expressed regret for any distress caused and pledged to uphold the highest standards of religious respect and editorial responsibility in all future broadcasts.