ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has suspended the licence of Geo News for 15 days over the broadcast of a programme on the 10th of Muharram that the regulator said was liable to hurt the religious sentiments of viewers.
In its suspension order, PEMRA said the action was taken over what it described as an “unacceptable religious portrayal” featured in the June 26 transmission.
The regulator said the broadcast violated the terms and conditions of the channel’s licence as well as multiple provisions of PEMRA laws, adding that the content was contrary to Pakistan’s religious, social and cultural values and had the potential to offend viewers’ religious sentiments.
During the suspension period, Geo News’ transmission will remain off air on satellite and all other distribution platforms. PEMRA also directed all distributors and network operators to ensure strict compliance with the order.
The authority said the channel had failed to exercise due editorial caution and that its internal review mechanism did not prevent the disputed content from being aired.
PEMRA further said the matter would be referred to its Council of Complaints for further proceedings and recommendations regarding any additional regulatory action. It also directed Geo News to conduct a comprehensive internal inquiry into the incident and introduce strict safeguards to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Meanwhile, Geo News issued an apology over the content aired in its documentary Safar-e-Ishq on the 10th of Muharram.
The broadcaster said the footage showed certain religious rituals practised by a limited number of individuals in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries and was intended only to depict local customs rather than represent, endorse or promote any broader religious viewpoint.
Geo News stated that the content was neither produced by the channel nor aired with any deliberate intent.
“We wish to clarify that Geo News strictly adheres to its policy of respecting the widely held beliefs and sensitivities of the Muslim Ummah,” the statement said, adding that the broadcast did not reflect the channel’s editorial policy or organisational beliefs.
The network said the disputed content was removed immediately after it came to its attention and that disciplinary action had already been taken against the personnel responsible.
It added that clarifications and an on-air apology were broadcast before any public reaction, expressing regret over the distress caused and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of religious respect.
