The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has suspended the license and transmission of Geo News for 15 days, accusing the channel of airing a Muharram program with 'religious visualization' that could hurt viewers' religious sentiments. The suspension took immediate effect from June 27, 2026.
PEMRA Notice Details
In a notice issued on Saturday, PEMRA stated that Geo News aired a program titled 'Safar-e-Ishq' during its special Muharram 10 transmission, which included visual representations deemed a serious regulatory concern. The regulator said the content was liable to hurt religious sentiments, undermine religious harmony, and create a 'risk of disturbance' to public peace, tranquility, and law and order.
Suspension and Compliance Directives
The license issued to M/s Independent Media Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd. for Geo News is suspended for 15 days with immediate effect. Transmission will remain suspended on satellite and all distribution networks and platforms. Distribution service licensees and operators are directed to ensure immediate compliance with the order.
Referral to Council of Complaints
PEMRA is referring the matter to its Council of Complaints department to examine, hear, and furnish appropriate recommendations, including the possibility of further regulatory action. Geo News has been directed to conduct an internal inquiry into the editorial, monitoring, and compliance lapse leading to the broadcast, and submit its findings to the Council of Complaints, along with details of corrective and preventive measures, during the hearing.
Sensitivity of Religious Matters in Pakistan
Religious matters are a sensitive issue in Pakistan, where media regulators often scrutinize broadcasts that feature religious topics capable of offending thousands of viewers across the country. Geo News, one of Pakistan's most-watched private Urdu news channels launched over 20 years ago, has covered elections, political crises, terrorism, natural disasters, and other major national events over two decades.
