ISLAMABAD: Following an order issued by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Geo News broadcasts have started to be stopped on various digital and streaming platforms.
According to reports, PEMRA, taking notice of the alleged violation of the code of conduct in a program broadcast during the special broadcast of Muharram-ul-Haram, issued an order to suspend Geo News’ license for 15 days. According to the authority, this decision is effective immediately and will also apply to satellite, cable networks and other distribution platforms.
Following the PEMRA decision, Geo News broadcasts are also being stopped on various streaming and digital platforms, while the relevant operators have been directed to ensure immediate implementation of the regulatory orders.
Meanwhile, after YouTube, Geo has now also been stopped on the well-known streaming platform ‘Tamasha’. The impact of Pakistan’s largest private TV network ‘Geo News’ supporting PEMRA’s recent code of conduct and order is now clearly visible on the country’s major streaming infrastructure.
On the other hand, Geo News management has expressed regret regarding the relevant program in its statement and said that the controversial content has been removed immediately. According to the organization, an internal investigation into the incident has been initiated, the responsible persons are being identified and corrective measures are also being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
PEMRA has also referred the matter to the relevant forum for further action, while Geo News has been directed to complete its internal inquiry and submit its report and details of corrective measures within the stipulated time.
The management says that editorial supervision will be made more effective to prevent such incidents in the future. Some quarters have termed Geo News’ immediate response, apology and corrective measures as responsible conduct and expressed hope that religious sensitivity and professional standards will be further ensured in the future.
Meanwhile, some observers have termed the ongoing apology, internal investigation and corrective measures by the Geo News management as responsible conduct. However, opinions of different quarters on this issue differ, while future developments will come out in the light of the action and investigation by the relevant institutions.
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