Geo News’ transmission resumed on Sunday as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) upheld its previous order to suspend the broadcaster’s licence for 15 days over 10th Muharram documentary.
In a written verdict dated July 11, the authority upheld the June 27 decision, suspending the licence of Geo News for 15 days.
Pemra also imposed a fine of Rs10 million upon the licensee, saying transmission may resume only upon completion of the suspension period and payment of the fine.
“The Authority notes that the licensee has initiated action in respect of the violation. The licensee shall, after due process, terminate all concerned for failure to discharge duties relating to the broadcast of impugned content,” read the verdict.
Pemra further directed that the persons terminated shall, subject to applicable law, remain ineligible for re-employment, appointment, engagement, retention or association, directly or indirectly and in any capacity, with any service operating under a licence, permission, registration or authorisation issued or regulated by the authority.
Pemra directed the licensee to submit an affidavit confirming compliance with its directions and undertaking strict future adherence.
“Any recurrence of the same or a similar violation shall invite enhanced penalties, suspension or revocation of licence, in accordance with law,” it said.
The authority directed each licensee to constitute an impartial and competent in-house monitoring committee/editorial board in accordance with Clause 17 of the code of conduct, intimate its composition to Pemra and ensure prior editorial scrutiny of each and every broadcast.
“A separate directive shall be issued to all licensees for strict compliance with the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan in Suo Motu Case No. 28 of 2018 (PLD 2019 SC 1),” it said.
The authority said that the broadcaster’s licence was suspended for 15 days with immediate effect on June 27 after its committee considered the broadcast of religiously sensitive visual depictions aired on June 26 in the programme “Safar-e-Ishq” during its 10th Muharram transmission.
The matter, it said, was then referred to the Council of Complaints, Lahore.
Pemra stated that the Council considered the matter in its 127th, 128th and 129th meetings held on June 30, July 2 and July 10, respectively.
After hearing the licensee’s representatives, examining the record, and the input of the Council of Islamic Ideology, it submitted its recommendations to the Pemra, it added.
“In its 191st meeting held on 11 July 2026, the Authority independently considered the recommendations, proceedings, written and oral submissions, entire record and applicable provisions of the Pemra Ordinance, 2002, the rules made thereunder and the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015,” Pemra said.
The authority said that it is satisfied that the licensee was afforded due notice and adequate opportunity to submit its response and be heard through its authorised representatives.
“The Authority has considered the licensee’s admission of negligence, expression of remorse and unconditional public apologies, aired/published on all media platforms. These factors are mitigating but do not erase the violation or its legal consequences,” it said.
Geo News’ unconditional apology
In an earlier statement, the broadcaster said the programme had depicted certain rituals practised by a limited number of people in Iraq and some other Middle Eastern countries. It clarified that the footage merely portrayed local customs and was never intended to represent, endorse, or promote any broader religious viewpoint.
Geo News said the material was neither produced by the channel nor aired with any deliberate intent or objective.
The broadcaster reiterated that it remains firmly committed to its policy of respecting the widely accepted beliefs and sensitivities of the Muslim Ummah, adding that the inclusion of the footage did not reflect its editorial position or institutional ideology.
It said the relevant content was removed immediately after the issue came to light, while prompt action was taken against those involved in its inclusion.
Geo News further stated that clarifications and an apology had been aired before the public reaction emerged. The channel expressed regret over any distress caused and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of religious respect.
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In the hearing before the Council of Complaints (COC) regarding the suspension of Geo News by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), Advocate Saim Hashmi, on behalf of the broadcaster’s licensee company, placed on record the management’s unqualified admission of mistake and also offered an unconditional apology in that behalf.
In addition, Advocate Hashmi, accompanied by Advocate Arbaz Khan, also brought it to the Council’s attention as well as shared with them all the relevant documents to show that the management of Geo News, after a quick inquiry, has removed from employment the person responsible for making the documentary as well as the member of the Editorial Committee who previewed it.
Lastly, Advocate Hashmi informed the Council that, in order to minimise the possibility of any such mistake taking place in the future, the management of Geo News has decided to make a respectable aalim (scholar) a part of its Editorial Committee who can keep an eye on sensitive religious content to be broadcast and can stop any mistake from taking place or being committed in the future.
The case refers to the hour-long religious travel documentary that included 13 regrettable, sensitive seconds of visuals for which Geo stopped its repeat immediately and deleted the content from digital media before Pemra’s notification.
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Geo News has informed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) about the matter, seeking steps to prevent any unauthorised content from being uploaded and to address the issue promptly.
The organisation has initiated legal proceedings in connection with the hacking attempts.
The Geo News digital team has been working continuously to counter hacking attempts and has successfully foiled several attacks.
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Geo News has acknowledged an editorial error regarding content aired during its 10th Muharram transmission, “Safar-e-Ishq”, saying the footage neither reflected its editorial stance nor its 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.
1. We fully acknowledge the mistake.
What happened was wrong. We do not seek to defend, minimise, or rationalise it. We sincerely regret that this material was broadcast.
2. The incident was completely unintentional.
This was a grave editorial error. It was neither deliberate nor reflective of Geo News’ editorial values or institutional beliefs. We are personally hurt—both religiously and emotionally—because the matter concerns values and beliefs that we ourselves deeply respect.
3. We identified and corrected the mistake ourselves.
The content was removed immediately after we ourselves realised the error, before any authority or individual formally approached us. This reflects our own internal sense of responsibility rather than a reaction to external pressure.
4. Immediate accountability was ensured.
Show-cause notices were issued to the reporter and the members of the editorial committee responsible for the lapse. A formal inquiry was initiated, and strict disciplinary action is being taken in accordance with our internal policies.
5. Stronger safeguards have been introduced.
We have strengthened our editorial approval procedures by introducing additional review mechanisms, enhanced supervision, and stricter compliance checks to minimise the possibility of any similar incident occurring in the future.
6. Our institutional record demonstrates our commitment.
For decades, Geo News has consistently worked to promote Islamic knowledge and values. We pioneered dedicated religious pages in our publications, launched Aalim Online, introduced Ramazan transmissions, and have consistently produced special programming for Hajj, Rabi-ul-Awwal, Muharram, and other important Islamic occasions. Our long record reflects our genuine commitment to serving the religious interests of our audience with sincerity and respect.
7. Our overall contribution should be viewed fairly.
One regrettable mistake should not overshadow years of responsible work and sincere efforts made in promoting religious understanding and serving millions of viewers.
8. Human error is never an excuse—but it is a reality.
A 24-hour news organisation makes thousands of editorial decisions every day under continuous deadlines. While human error can unfortunately occur in any institution, it can never be an excuse. The true measure of an organisation is how it responds when a mistake occurs. Our responsibility is to acknowledge it immediately, correct it, hold those responsible accountable, and strengthen our systems to prevent any recurrence.
9. Our institutional culture is based on accountability.
Whenever we identify a mistake, we do not deny it or attempt to shift responsibility. We acknowledge it openly, investigate it thoroughly, hold individuals accountable where appropriate, and continuously improve our editorial processes.
10. Transparency strengthens public trust.
We believe responsible institutions should encourage a culture in which mistakes are admitted honestly, accountability is enforced fairly, and systems are continuously improved rather than mistakes being concealed or ignored.
11. Greater reach brings greater scrutiny.
As the most widely watched Urdu news channel in the world, every aspect of our programming is examined closely. Even minor errors receive widespread attention. We accept this responsibility because public trust must always be earned through transparency and accountability.
12. Continuous improvement remains our commitment.
This incident has reinforced our determination to further strengthen editorial oversight, staff training, internal compliance, and quality control so that our standards continue to improve.
13. We have no agenda contrary to Islamic values.
Geo News has always respected the religious beliefs and sensitivities of the Muslim Ummah.
Geo News’ unconditional apology
In an earlier statement, the broadcaster said the programme had depicted certain rituals practised by a limited number of people in Iraq and some other Middle Eastern countries. It clarified that the footage merely portrayed local customs and was never intended to represent, endorse, or promote any broader religious viewpoint.
Geo News said the material was neither produced by the channel nor aired with any deliberate intent or objective.
The broadcaster reiterated that it remains firmly committed to its policy of respecting the widely accepted beliefs and sensitivities of the Muslim Ummah, adding that the inclusion of the footage did not reflect its editorial position or institutional ideology.
It said the relevant content was removed immediately after the issue came to light, while prompt action was taken against those involved in its inclusion.
Geo News further stated that clarifications and an apology had been aired before the public reaction emerged. The channel expressed regret over any distress caused and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of religious respect.
PEMRA issues notice
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a notice to Geo News, ordering the suspension of its transmission for 15 days.
According to the regulator’s order, Geo News’ broadcasts will remain suspended on satellite and all other transmission networks. PEMRA further directed that its Complaints Council will hear the matter for further proceedings and formulate recommendations for additional regulatory action.
