ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has suspended the License of Geo News for 15 days with immediate effect over the airing of religious visualization during its Muharram transmission, according to an official order issued on June 27.
The suspension order states that Geo News, operated by Independent Media Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd., broadcast a programme titled Safar-e-Ishq on June 26 in which religious visualisation was shown during its special Muharram 10 transmission.
PEMRA said the content was prima facie capable of hurting the religious sentiments of viewers, undermining religious harmony, violating accepted editorial standards, and creating a risk to public peace, tranquillity, and law and order.
The regulator said the broadcaster failed to exercise adequate editorial judgment and due caution while airing religious content, describing the transmission as a violation of provisions of the PEMRA Ordinance, Rules, Television Broadcast Station Operations Regulations, Electronic Media Code of Conduct, and the authority’s June 15 directive on the sanctity of Muharram.
Under the order, Geo News’ licence has been suspended for 15 days, and its transmission on satellite and all distribution platforms will remain off-air during the suspension period. Distribution service operators have been directed to implement the order immediately.
PEMRA has also referred the matter to its Council of Complaints for examination and possible further regulatory action. In addition, Geo News has been instructed to conduct an internal inquiry into the editorial and compliance lapses that led to the broadcast and submit its findings, along with corrective and preventive measures, before the council.
The authority stated that the suspension order is without prejudice to any further legal or regulatory proceedings that may arise from the case.
