The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA  suspended the broadcasting licence of Geo News for 15 days following a special transmission for Muharram in which a program included religious visualization and was content that was “liable to hurt the religious sentiments of viewers, undermine religious harmony, offend commonly accepted standards and due care, and create a risk of disturbance to public peace, tranquility, and law and order.”

PEMRA’s decision was detailed in a suspension order, dated June 27,  sent to the CEO of Independent Media Corporation, which operates Geo News. The regulatory body highlighted that the content aired during the Muharram special transmission on Geo News raised “serious regulatory concern.”

The order stated that Geo News transmission will remain suspended on satellite and all distribution networks/platforms for the suspension period. PEMRA also directed Geo News to conduct an internal inquiry into the editorial, monitoring and compliance lapse and to submit its findings to the Council of Complaints, along with corrective and preventive measures.

Geo News issued a clarification statement and an apology acknowledging the editorial error and stated that the footage did not reflect its editorial stance or policy of respecting the widely accepted beliefs and religious sensitivities of the Muslim Ummah.

“The purpose of this clarification is not to justify the incident, but to acknowledge it honestly, explain the actions taken, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that such an incident never happens again,” the network stated. They provided a breakdown of the steps taken in response.