ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has received a letter from the Islamic Ideological Council (IIC) regarding a case involving religious representation in a television broadcast.
According to sources, the council has advised PEMRA’s Council of Complaints Lahore to deal with the case involving the licensed television channel in accordance with the authority’s existing rules and regulations. Sources said that any action against the channel would be decided under PEMRA’s legal framework, while further proceedings would continue through the prescribed legal process.
The IIC, while maintaining its earlier comprehensive guidance on the religious aspects of the matter, has referred the authority for legal and administrative decisions to the relevant regulatory body. The council limited its role to its constitutional and advisory mandate and did not intervene in PEMRA’s legal jurisdiction, a move being viewed as an example of mutual respect between state institutions regarding their respective powers and responsibilities.
Sources said the council’s recommendation to proceed according to PEMRA regulations recognizes the regulatory authority’s independence, legal mandate, and accountability obligations. The council also emphasized that the matter should be decided through a complete legal process based on evidence, hearings, and relevant regulations rather than through immediate or emotional reactions.
According to sources, the council described the approach as a balanced mechanism for handling religiously sensitive matters, under which religious guidance is provided by the council while decisions related to licensing, codes of conduct, and regulatory action remain the responsibility of the relevant institution. The development comes after PEMRA’s Council of Complaints Lahore sought religious and constitutional guidance from the IIC regarding Geo News’ Muharram 10 broadcast, which involved the depiction of sacred personalities.
The Council of Complaints had decided during its June 30 meeting to seek the IIC’s opinion before submitting final recommendations to the PEMRA Authority. The council had requested a response within one week, asking whether the suspension of Geo News’ license, the channel’s public apology, and other measures taken so far were sufficient or whether further action was required.
During the meeting, Geo News’ executive director appeared before the council along with legal representatives and requested the lifting of the suspension imposed on the broadcast. The Council of Complaints termed the issue highly sensitive due to religious sentiments and decided to seek guidance from the Islamic Ideological Council in light of Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan and Islamic principles
