LAHORE: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Saturday issued its final decision in religious depiction in the 10th Muharram broadcast of Geo News’ program “Safar-e-Ishq”, under which the channel has been fined Rs 10 million.
The authority issued this decision after a detailed review of the recommendations of the Council of Complaints Lahore, the record of proceedings, the written and oral position of the license holder and the opinion of the Islamic Ideology Council in its 191st meeting.
The Council had submitted its recommendations to the authority after considering the matter in its various meetings held in June and July 2026. In its decision, PEMRA stated that this violation committed by Geo News is of a very serious nature which is contrary to the requirements of responsible broadcasting and the obligations of the license holder under PEMRA rules.
Although Geo News admitted its negligence and issued an unconditional apology to all media platforms, which PEMRA accepted as mitigating factors, it clarified that these factors do not eliminate the legal consequences of the violation. According to the decision, the order to suspend Geo News’ license for 15 days on June 27, 2026 has been declared valid and this suspension will remain in effect until July 12 midnight 12 a.m, while the channel’s broadcasts can be restored only after the completion of the suspension period and payment of a fine of Rs 10 million.
The order has directed the Geo News management to complete the action against the relevant persons for failure to fulfill their obligations and dismiss them from their jobs, while the persons dismissed as a result of the action will not be able to be directly or indirectly associated with any licensed, registered or authorized service under the supervision of PEMRA in any capacity.
PEMRA has informed Geo News that if such negligence is committed in the future, its license will be cancelled. Along with this, all licensees, including Geo News, have been directed to constitute an impartial in-house monitoring committee or editorial board and ensure prior editorial verification of every broadcast content and provide details to PEMRA.
According to the decision, separate instructions will be issued to all licensees to strictly implement the decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the suo motu case (PLD 2019 SC 1) and strict legal action will be taken for any further violation.
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