Geo News has resumed transmission after the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) issued its final written order regarding the broadcaster’s 15-day suspension over the airing of religiously sensitive content during Muharram.
According to the official order dated July 11, Pemra upheld its earlier decision issued on June 27, temporarily suspending the channel’s licence and imposing a Rs10 million fine. The regulator allowed transmission to resume only after the broadcaster completed the suspension period and paid the financial penalty.
The case arose from the broadcast of religiously sensitive visual depictions during the programme Safar-e-Ishq, aired on June 26 as part of Geo News’ special transmission for the 10th of Muharram.
Following complaints, the matter was referred to the Council of Complaints Lahore, which reviewed the broadcast, examined relevant records and sought the opinion of the Council of Islamic Ideology before submitting its recommendations to Pemra.
In its final verdict, Pemra acknowledged that Geo News admitted negligence, expressed remorse and issued unconditional public apologies across its platforms. However, the authority stated that these actions did not remove the legal consequences of the violation.
Pemra directed the broadcaster to terminate the employees responsible for the editorial lapse and ruled that those dismissed would not be eligible for employment at any Pemra-regulated media organisation in the future.
The regulator also instructed Geo News to submit an affidavit confirming compliance with its directives and assuring strict adherence to broadcasting regulations. Pemra warned that any future violation could result in harsher penalties, including possible cancellation of the channel’s licence.
Additionally, the authority directed all electronic media license holders to establish impartial in-house monitoring committees to strengthen editorial oversight and prevent similar incidents.
In an earlier statement, Geo News clarified that the controversial footage depicted local customs and religious rituals practiced by a limited number of people in Iraq and parts of the Middle East. The broadcaster stated that the footage did not represent endorsement of any particular religious belief and was removed immediately after concerns were raised. Geo News also expressed regret over the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the religious sentiments of the Muslim Ummah.
