Pakistan watchdog suspends Geo News for 15 days

Pakistan's media regulator has suspended the broadcast license of television channel Geo News for 15 days. The action was taken due to content aired during a program marking Muharram, a sensitive period in the Islamic calendar, which the regulator deemed could offend religious sentiments and disturb public order.

The regulatory body stated that Geo News aired "religious visualisations" on June 26 that had the potential to undermine religious harmony. In response, Geo News issued an apology on Sunday, explaining that the material was broadcast in error and does not represent the channel's editorial position or beliefs. The channel has since removed the content from all its platforms.

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

Depictions of the Prophet Mohammed and other revered Islamic figures are a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan. Religious disputes can quickly incite public anger in the Muslim-majority country, where authorities heighten security during Muharram commemorations. Geo News, one of Pakistan's major private television channels, clarified that the footage in question showed rituals practiced by some individuals in Iraq and the Middle East, intended to illustrate local customs rather than endorse any religious viewpoint.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) directed Geo News to conduct an internal inquiry, noting a failure to exercise editorial caution. The matter has also been referred to the regulator's Council of Complaints. This incident occurs amidst persistent criticism of Pakistan's press freedom record, with television channels frequently facing regulatory actions, including 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 content in question had been removed from all its platforms. It said the footage showed rituals practised by some people in Iraq and the Middle East and was intended to show local customs, not endorse any religious view.