Pakistan Suspends Geo News Licence Over Muharram Broadcast

Pakistan’s media regulator has suspended the broadcasting licence of private television channel Geo News for 15 days following controversy over a programme aired during Muharram, one of the most significant and sensitive periods in the Islamic calendar. Authorities said the decision was taken after determining that content broadcast during the programme could offend religious sentiments, undermine sectarian harmony and pose a risk to public order.

According to Reuters, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) reviewed a programme aired on 26 June as part of the channel’s Muharram coverage. The regulator alleged that certain religious scenes shown during the broadcast were inappropriate and had the potential to hurt the religious feelings of viewers. It also argued that the material could fuel sectarian tensions and create law and order concerns, particularly during a period when religious sensitivities are heightened across the country.

As a result, PEMRA ordered the suspension of Geo News’ broadcasting licence for 15 days. The regulator also criticised what it described as shortcomings in the channel’s editorial oversight, saying greater care should have been exercised before the programme went on air.

Geo News has expressed regret over the incident. In a statement issued on Sunday, the broadcaster said the disputed footage had been aired unintentionally and did not reflect its editorial policy or professional standards. The channel added that the video had been removed immediately from both its television broadcasts and digital platforms after the issue came to light.

The regulator has also instructed the broadcaster to conduct an internal investigation to determine how the material was approved for transmission. The matter has been referred to the Council of Complaints, which will examine the case further and decide whether any additional regulatory measures are necessary.

Muharram is regarded as one of the most sensitive months in Pakistan’s religious calendar, with authorities typically introducing heightened security measures to prevent sectarian violence and maintain public order. Even relatively minor disputes involving religious content can quickly trigger public outrage, demonstrations or tensions between different religious communities.

Depictions or portrayals involving the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and other revered Islamic personalities are considered particularly sensitive in Pakistan. Similar controversies in previous years have prompted widespread protests, leading regulators and broadcasters to exercise strict editorial controls over religious programming, especially during Muharram.

The latest action against Geo News is also likely to renew debate over media freedom in Pakistan. The country has faced longstanding criticism from international press freedom organisations over regulatory interventions, temporary broadcast suspensions and restrictions imposed on journalists and media outlets. According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, Pakistan ranks 153rd out of 180 countries, reflecting persistent concerns over the state of press freedom and the operating environment for independent media.