The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Council of Complaints, Lahore, has decided to seek guidance from the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) regarding the case involving Geo News Muharram transmission, in which sacred personalities were depicted visually.
The decision was taken during the Council of Complaints meeting held in Lahore on June 30 after reviewing a reference submitted by the PEMRA Authority concerning the controversial broadcast aired on the 10th of Muharram.
The council resolved that, before submitting its recommendations to the PEMRA Authority, it would obtain the opinion of the Council of Islamic Ideology on whether the regulatory action already taken is sufficient or if further measures are warranted.
The council has asked the CII to determine, in light of Islamic teachings and injunctions, whether PEMRA’s suspension of Geo News’ license, along with the broadcaster’s public apology and corrective measures, constitute an adequate response to the matter or whether additional action should be recommended.
The Council of Islamic Ideology has been requested to submit its opinion within seven days, by July 8, 2026.
During the meeting, Geo News’ Executive Director appeared before the council along with legal counsel. The broadcaster briefed the council on the remedial measures it had undertaken and requested that the suspension of its license be lifted.
Citing the sensitivity of the matter, which concerns religious sentiments, as well as the constitutional framework governing freedom of expression, the Council of Complaints decided to formally seek the Council of Islamic Ideology’s guidance before finalising its recommendations.
The council noted that Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees freedom of speech, expression and press, while also allowing reasonable restrictions under the law in the interest of the glory of Islam and other constitutional requirements.
In its reference, the Council of Complaints specifically requested the Council of Islamic Ideology to advise whether the suspension order, Geo News’ public apology and the corrective actions taken so far are collectively sufficient, or whether further action should be recommended in accordance with Islamic teachings and principles.
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