ISLAMABAD: Geo News announced the resumption of its transmission on Sunday following the expiration of a 15-day suspension imposed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) due to a Muharram documentary alleged to have offended religious sentiments.
The suspension, enacted on June 27, stemmed from a special Muharram program aired on June 26. PEMRA cited “religious visualization” content that it claimed could harm religious harmony and disrupt public order. The regulator later upheld the suspension and imposed a Rs10 million ($35,800) fine on the channel.
In response, Geo News issued an unconditional apology, terminated employees involved in the program, and implemented enhanced editorial oversight. The channel clarified that the documentary depicted rituals practiced in Iraq and the Middle East, which were inadvertently broadcast and not reflective of any endorsed religious beliefs. The material has since been removed from all platforms.
According to PEMRA’s order, the suspension was contingent on the payment of the fine and adherence to compliance measures. While acknowledging the broadcaster’s acknowledgment of negligence and remorse, the regulator emphasized that these actions did not nullify the violation or its legal implications.
The authority mandated that individuals responsible for the broadcast be barred from future employment with licensed or regulated entities, subject to legal provisions. Additional directives included requiring all broadcasters to establish impartial editorial monitoring committees and ensure prior scrutiny of content to prevent similar incidents.
