Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has suspended the broadcasting licence of Geo News for 15 days with immediate effect over a special Muharram transmission that, according to the regulator, included “sensitive religious visualization.”
The decision relates to the programme “Safar-e-Ishq,” which aired during Geo News’ special coverage of 10th Muharram. PEMRA stated that certain visual representations shown during the broadcast had the potential to hurt religious sentiments, disrupt religious harmony, and create risks to public peace and law and order.
According to the regulator, its Monitoring Wing found that the programme exceeded permissible broadcasting standards because of the religious, cultural, and social sensitivity of the content. PEMRA emphasized that television channels must exercise extra editorial care when broadcasting religious material, particularly during sacred occasions such as Muharram.
In its order, the authority stated that Geo News had failed to comply with the provisions of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, PEMRA Rules 2009, Television Broadcast Station Operations Regulations 2012, the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, and PEMRA’s advisory issued on June 15, 2026, regarding the observance of Muharram-ul-Haram.
Using its powers under Section 30 of the PEMRA Ordinance, the authority ordered the immediate suspension of the Geo News licence for 15 days. The suspension applies to satellite transmission and all distribution platforms, while cable operators and other service providers have been instructed to enforce the order without delay.
PEMRA also directed the news channel to conduct an internal inquiry into the editorial, monitoring, and compliance shortcomings that led to the controversial broadcast. The channel has been instructed to submit its investigation report, along with details of corrective and preventive measures, before the Council of Complaints during upcoming proceedings.
In addition, PEMRA instructed its regional offices and relevant departments to ensure strict implementation of the suspension order. The regulator clarified that this action does not prevent any additional legal or regulatory proceedings in the future and does not affect the broadcaster’s legal rights under the applicable laws.
The suspension is considered one of the strongest regulatory actions taken against a leading Pakistani television news channel in recent years, placing Geo News under increased regulatory scrutiny while further proceedings continue.
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