ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has suspended the license of Geo News for 15 days with immediate effect over an “unacceptable religious depiction” aired during the program “Safar-e-Ishq” on 10th Muharram, June 26, 2026.
In a formal order, the regulatory authority stated that the broadcast not only violated the channel’s license terms but also contravened religious, social, and cultural values and principles. The content was deemed to have hurt religious sentiments and posed a risk to interfaith harmony.
PEMRA noted that Geo News was obligated to exercise caution while broadcasting religious programs and that its internal oversight committee had failed to prevent the violation. “Such depiction is a complete violation of several provisions of the law and PEMRA regulations,” the authority stated. “It has hurt religious sentiments and is likely to hurt them.”
Under the orders, Geo News broadcasting will remain suspended on satellite and all distribution networks. All distributors and operators have been instructed to ensure compliance with the suspension.
PEMRA’s Complaints Council will hold a hearing on the matter for further regulatory action and to formulate recommendations. The channel has also been directed to conduct an internal inquiry to ensure such violations do not recur.
The regulator emphasized that the orders were issued under PEMRA rules, citing the protection of religious harmony as the basis for the decision
