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Pakistani channel apologizes after ban over religious documentary

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Geo News apologized for airing a documentary with religious visualizations during its 10th Muharram transmission.
  • The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) suspended the channel for 15 days, citing religious and cultural sensitivities.
  • The channel stated it did not intend to promote any specific religious viewpoint, but PEMRA deemed the broadcast a regulatory concern that could hurt sentiments and disturb public peace.

Geo News has issued an apology and clarification after its 15-day suspension by Pakistan's media regulator. The channel aired a documentary, 'Safar-e-Ishq,' during the 10th Muharram transmission, which included "religious visualization" of rituals practiced in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries.

Geo News has acknowledged an editorial error regarding content aired during its 10th Muharram transmission.

— Geo NewsThe channel's statement acknowledging an error.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) cited the broadcast as a "serious regulatory concern," stating it was likely to hurt religious sentiments and disturb public peace due to the sensitivities surrounding the Islamic lunar calendar's first month. Geo News acknowledged an editorial error, asserting it never intended to represent or promote any broader religious viewpoint.

The broadcast of such visual representation, given the religious, cultural and social sensitivities, constitutes a serious regulatory concern.

— Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)PEMRA's statement explaining the reason for the suspension.

The channel explained the documentary depicted rituals practiced by a limited number of people, without offering further details on its content. PEMRA's statement also remained vague on the specific nature of the visualizations that led to the regulatory action.

Geo News said it “never intended to represent, endorse, or promote any broader religious viewpoint”.

— Geo NewsThe channel's clarification on its intentions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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