PEMRA suspends Geo News transmission for 15 days

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 28 June 2026 |  JP Staff Report

PEMRA suspended Geo News' transmission for 15 days after the channel aired a Muharram 10 documentary deemed to contain religious visualization and risk public order. Geo apologized, removed the program, and initiated an internal inquiry and corrective measures.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Saturday ordered the suspension of Geo News' transmission for 15 days with immediate effect after the channel aired the documentary Safar-e-Ishq on Muharram 10, saying it contained "religious visualization" that violated broadcasting regulations and had the potential to hurt viewers' religious sentiments.

In its order, PEMRA said the documentary was liable to hurt religious sentiments, undermine religious harmony, offend commonly accepted standards of responsibility and due care, and create a risk of disturbing public peace, tranquility, and law and order. The regulator directed that Geo News' transmission remain suspended across satellite and all distribution networks and platforms with immediate effect.

Geo News issues an apology

Geo News subsequently issued a public apology, saying it had removed the documentary from broadcast and taken action against staff involved in its preparation. The channel said it regretted the airing of the program and had initiated internal corrective measures.

PEMRA also referred the matter to its Council of Complaints for examination, hearing, and recommendations, including consideration of any further regulatory action deemed appropriate under the law. The authority directed Geo News to conduct an internal inquiry into what it described as editorial, monitoring, and compliance lapses that resulted in the broadcast, and to submit its findings along with details of corrective and preventive measures during the Council's proceedings.

Regulator cites multiple legal provisions

The regulator said broadcasters are expected to exercise heightened editorial judgment, caution, and control when airing religious content. It maintained that the documentary was inconsistent with obligations imposed under Section 20(b), (c), (d), and (f) of the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002, the PEMRA Rules, 2009, the Television Broadcast Station Operations Regulations, 2012, and the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015.

The Council of Complaints will now examine the case and may recommend additional regulatory action, if warranted under the applicable legal framework. The suspension order remains effective immediately pending further proceedings.

Editorial oversight under scrutiny

The case highlights the heightened regulatory expectations surrounding the broadcast of religious programming in Pakistan, particularly during Muharram, when television channels are expected to exercise exceptional editorial care because of the sensitivity of religious content.

The proceedings will also test broadcasters' internal editorial compliance mechanisms, as regulators increasingly emphasize accountability for newsroom decision-making alongside adherence to the country's broadcasting code.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The case serves as a reminder that editorial oversight extends beyond news reporting to documentaries and special programming, particularly on sensitive religious issues. For broadcasters, it underscores the importance of robust editorial review, compliance procedures, and risk assessment to avoid regulatory action and maintain public trust.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on the official PEMRA order issued on June 27, 2026, and Geo News' public statement issued on June 27, 2026.