PEMRA has suspended the broadcasting licence of Geo News for 15 days with immediate effect over its Muharram special transmission, Safar-e-Ishq.
According to the regulator, the programme included sensitive religious visualizations that could hurt public sentiments and affect religious harmony.
PEMRA said broadcasters have a responsibility to ensure that all content related to religious events is presented with care and in accordance with the country’s broadcasting rules.
Following the decision, Geo News acknowledged the mistake and issued a public apology. The channel expressed regret over the incident, but the suspension ordered by the regulator will remain in effect.
PEMRA has also directed the television channel to conduct a detailed internal inquiry into the matter. The investigation will focus on identifying editorial and compliance failures that led to the broadcast of the disputed content.
The regulator has instructed the channel to submit a complete report to the Council of Complaints. The report must explain how the incident occurred, identify any shortcomings in the editorial process, and outline the corrective measures that will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Officials said the action reflects PEMRA’s commitment to ensuring responsible broadcasting and maintaining respect for religious sensitivities. The authority emphasized that media organizations must follow broadcasting regulations, especially during important religious occasions.
The suspension serves as a reminder to all broadcasters to exercise greater caution when producing and airing religious programmes.
Authorities have stressed the importance of protecting public sentiments, promoting religious harmony, and ensuring that television content meets professional and regulatory standards at all times.
