Pakistan watchdog suspends Geo News for 15 days over 'offensive' religious broadcast

Pakistan's media authority has suspended the broadcast license of television channel Geo News for 15 days. The action stems from content aired during a program marking Muharram, a highly sensitive period in the Islamic calendar. The regulator cited "religious visualisations" broadcast on June 26 that could offend religious sentiments, undermine harmony, and disturb public order. Geo News has since apologized, issuing a statement on Sunday that the material was aired in error and did not represent the channel's editorial stance. The channel stated the footage depicted rituals from Iraq and the Middle East, intended to showcase local customs rather than endorse any religious view. It has removed the content from all platforms. The media regulator also directed Geo News to conduct an internal inquiry, highlighting a failure to exercise editorial caution. This incident occurs against a backdrop of persistent criticism regarding press freedom in Pakistan, with channels periodically facing regulatory actions, suspensions, and transmission restrictions. Reporters Without Borders ranked Pakistan 153rd out of 180 countries in its 2026 World Press Freedom Index.

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the material had been aired in error and did not reflect the channel's editorial position or beliefs.