Pakistan suspends Geo News for 15 days over Muharram broadcast:Channel accused of hurting religious sentiments

Pakistan’s media regulator has suspended the broadcast licence of Geo News, one of the country’s leading private Urdu-language television channels, for 15 days over content aired during a programme marking Muharram, citing concerns that it could hurt religious sentiments and disturb public order. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) announced the suspension on Saturday in connection with Safar-e-Ishq, a programme broadcast on June 26 during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the holiest periods for Muslims. PEMRA cites editorial lapse In its order, PEMRA said the programme included “religious visualisations” that failed to account for Pakistan’s religious, cultural and social sensitivities. The regulator said the content had the potential to offend religious sentiments, undermine sectarian harmony and create a risk of disturbing public peace. PEMRA directed Geo News to conduct an internal inquiry into what it described as an editorial lapse and referred the matter to its Council of Complaints for further proceedings. However, the regulator did not specify which scenes or visuals violated the country’s broadcasting regulations. Geo News issues apology Geo News removed the programme from all its digital platforms and issued a public apology on Sunday, describing the broadcast as an “editorial error” that did not reflect the channel’s editorial policy or religious beliefs. The broadcaster said the documentary featured rituals observed by a limited number of Shia Muslims in Iraq and some other West Asian countries. It clarified that the footage was intended solely to depict local customs and traditions and was not meant to endorse or promote any particular religious belief or sectarian viewpoint. Muharram remains a highly sensitive period Muharram is one of the most sensitive periods in Pakistan, with authorities routinely imposing heightened security measures and closely monitoring religious gatherings and media coverage to prevent sectarian tensions. Depictions of Prophet Mohammed and other revered Islamic figures remain highly controversial in the country, where allegations of religious offence have previously triggered widespread protests and violence. The issue is particularly sensitive because some Shia communities, especially in Iraq, observe Muharram through ta’ziyah processions and dramatic re-enactments of events associated with early Islamic history, practices that many Sunni scholars discourage. Pakistan is a Sunni-majority country, with Shia Muslims accounting for an estimated 10–15% of the population. Sectarian tensions have periodically erupted into violence over the years. Press freedom concerns The suspension comes amid continuing concerns over press freedom in Pakistan. Journalists and media organisations have repeatedly alleged increasing regulatory pressure, with television channels facing temporary suspensions, transmission restrictions and censorship. According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Pakistan ranks 153rd out of 180 countries, reflecting persistent concerns over media independence and the safety of journalists. Pakistan also has some of the world’s strictest blasphemy laws. Allegations of blasphemy or religious offence have, on several occasions, led to mob violence and vigilante attacks, making religious content particularly sensitive for media organisations. ​