PEMRA warns Geo of legal action over trial commentary

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 27 January 2026 |  JP Staff Report

PEMRA issued a show-cause notice to Geo News over a Jan 24 Naya Pakistan episode hosted by Shahzad Iqbal, alleging biased commentary on tweets linked to ongoing trials. It cited Section 20, set a Jan 29 hearing and warned legal action under Section 29A.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s broadcast regulator has issued a show-cause notice to Geo News over content aired on its current affairs program Naya Pakistan, citing alleged violations of broadcast rules and Supreme Court directives.

The notice relates to a January 24, 2026, episode hosted by Shahzad Iqbal, as named in the notice, in which the presenter discussed tweets by lawyer Iman Mazari while referring to ongoing trial proceedings.

According to the notice issued by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the regulator concluded that the program presented a biased opinion regarding a sub judice matter. PEMRA said the discussion contravened Section 20 of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended in 2003, and referenced multiple clauses governing impartiality and responsible coverage of judicial proceedings.

Regulator cites PEMRA law and Supreme Court orders

The notice directs the chief executive officer of M/s Independent Media Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd., which operates Geo News, to submit a written response within three days explaining why legal action should not be initiated under Section 29A and other enabling provisions of the law. PEMRA warned that failure to comply could trigger further proceedings.

In addition to the written reply, the notice requires the channel’s chief executive to appear in person or through an authorized representative for a personal hearing scheduled for January 29 at PEMRA headquarters. The regulator stated that ex parte proceedings would be initiated if the channel does not respond or appear as directed.

Industry response highlights regulatory pressure

The notice was publicly shared by Azhar Abbas, managing director of Geo News and president of the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors, who commented on social media that the situation was becoming increasingly unreasonable. His post drew attention within journalistic circles to what many see as growing regulatory scrutiny of editorial judgment.

The case adds to an ongoing debate within Pakistan’s media sector about the boundaries of commentary on legal matters, the interpretation of impartiality standards, and the extent of regulatory oversight over live political programming.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The notice underscores the legal and editorial risks Pakistani newsrooms face when discussing ongoing court cases, even in the context of political debate. For journalists and editors, it reinforces the need for rigorous legal vetting and clear separation between reporting and opinion. It also signals how regulatory interpretations can directly affect newsroom decision-making and live programming formats.

ATTRIBUTION: Based on a publicly issued PEMRA show cause notice and a social media post by Azhar Abbas, managing director of Geo News.

PHOTO: Shahzad Iqbal; courtesy of Geo.tv