PEMRA suspends Geo News for 15 days over Muharram broadcast

The action was taken over the programme Safar-e-Ishq, aired during the channel's special coverage of 10th Muharram. According to the regulator

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has suspended the broadcasting licence of Geo News for 15 days with immediate effect after ruling that a special Muharram transmission contained content deemed religiously sensitive.

The action was taken over the programme Safar-e-Ishq, aired during the channel’s special coverage of 10th Muharram. According to the regulator, the visual depiction used in the broadcast had the potential to offend religious sentiments, disrupt interfaith harmony, and create risks to public peace and law and order.

PEMRA stated that its Monitoring Wing found the programme to be in violation of broadcasting standards due to the religious, cultural, and social sensitivities involved. The authority stressed that television channels are required to exercise exceptional editorial responsibility when airing religious content, particularly during significant occasions such as Muharram.

In its order, PEMRA said Geo News failed to comply with provisions of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, the PEMRA Rules 2009, the Television Broadcast Station Operations Regulations 2012, the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, and the regulator’s advisory issued on June 15, 2026, regarding Muharram transmissions.

Acting under Section 30 of the PEMRA Ordinance, the authority directed the immediate suspension of Geo News’ transmission across satellite services and all distribution platforms for 15 days. Cable operators and distribution service providers have also been instructed to enforce the decision without delay.

The regulator further ordered Geo News to conduct an internal investigation into the editorial and compliance lapses that led to the controversial broadcast. The channel has been directed to submit its inquiry findings, along with details of corrective and preventive measures, before the Council of Complaints.

PEMRA said its regional offices and relevant departments would oversee the implementation of the suspension order, adding that the action does not prevent any additional legal or regulatory proceedings. The case marks one of the toughest enforcement actions taken against a major Pakistani television news channel in recent years.

Geo News Apologises, Vows Accountability After Public Backlash Over Programme

Following PEMRA’s suspension order, Geo News has issued a public statement acknowledging concerns raised over the content of one of its programmes, describing its response as an example of accountability, transparency, and respect for public sentiment.

According to the statement, the management acted immediately after recognising the sensitivity of the issue and concluded that the matter should not be ignored. The network said that the actions of a few individuals involved in the programme had affected the credibility of the entire organisation. As a result, those responsible have been suspended, while disciplinary proceedings have been initiated in accordance with the findings of an internal inquiry.

The media organisation stressed that its decision to apologise was not limited to words alone. Alongside the public apology, it said concrete corrective measures had been taken, including the suspension of the relevant channel platform manager, to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the issue responsibly.

Geo News further stated that institutional strength is reflected not by being free from mistakes, but by acknowledging errors and taking swift action to correct them. The network expressed hope that the incident would serve as a lesson for media organisations to strengthen editorial oversight and remain mindful of public sensitivities and national values.

Concluding its statement, Geo News reaffirmed that accountability, timely apologies, and meaningful corrective action are principles that should be upheld by every responsible media institution.