Geographic news Broadcasting resumed on Sunday as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) confirmed its earlier order to suspend the broadcaster’s license for 15 days for the 10th Muharram documentary.
In a written ruling dated July 11, the authority confirmed the decision of June 27, suspending the license of Geographic news for 15 days.
Pemra also imposed a fine of Rs 10 million on the licensee, saying that broadcasting can only be resumed after the suspension period ends and the fine is paid.
“The Authority notes that the licensee has initiated action regarding the violation. The licensee shall, after due process, dismiss all those involved for failure to comply with obligations related to the transmission of the challenged content,” the verdict reads.
Pemra further ordered that terminated persons, subject to applicable law, shall remain ineligible for re-employment, appointment, recruitment, retention or association, directly or indirectly and in any capacity, with any service operating under a licence, permit, registration or authorization issued or regulated by the authority.
Pemra ordered the licensee to submit an affidavit confirming compliance with its instructions and assuming strict compliance in the future.
“Any repetition of the same or similar violation will result in more severe penalties, license suspension or revocation, in accordance with the law,” he said.
The authority directed each licensee to constitute an impartial and competent internal editorial board/monitoring committee in accordance with Clause 17 of the code of conduct, report its composition to Pemra and ensure prior editorial scrutiny of each and every broadcast.
“A separate directive will be issued to all licensees for strict compliance of the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan in Suo Motu Case No. 28 of 2018 (PLD 2019 SC 1),” he said.
The authority said the broadcaster’s license was suspended for 15 days with immediate effect on June 27 after its committee considered broadcasting religiously sensitive visual performances aired on June 26 in the “Safar-e-Ishq” program during its 10th Muharram broadcast.
The matter, he said, was then referred to the Lahore Grievance Board.
Pemra stated that the Council considered the matter at its 127th, 128th and 129th meetings held on June 30, July 2 and July 10 respectively.
After listening to the representatives of the licensee, examining the file and the contributions of the Council of Islamic Ideology, it presented its recommendations to Pemra, he added.
“At its 191st meeting held on July 11, 2026, the Authority independently considered the recommendations, procedures, written and oral submissions, entire record and applicable provisions of the Pemra Ordinance, 2002, the rules made thereunder and the Electronic Media (Programs and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015,” Pemra said.
The authority said it is satisfied that the licensee has been given due notice and adequate opportunity to file its response and be heard through its authorized representatives.
“The Authority has considered the licensee’s admission of negligence, expression of remorse and unconditional public apology, broadcast/published on all media platforms. These factors are mitigating but do not erase the violation or its legal consequences,” it said.
PakGazette News’ unconditional apology
In an earlier statement, the broadcaster said the program had shown certain rituals practiced by a limited number of people in Iraq and some other Middle Eastern countries. He clarified that the images simply portrayed local customs and were never intended to represent, endorse or promote any broader religious views.
Geographic news He said the material was not produced by the channel or broadcast with any deliberate intention or objective.
The broadcaster reiterated that it remains firmly committed to its policy of respecting the widely accepted beliefs and sensitivities of the Muslim community, adding that the inclusion of the images did not reflect its editorial position or institutional ideology.
It said the relevant content was removed immediately after the issue came to light, while immediate action was taken against those involved in its inclusion.
Geographic news He further stated that clarifications and apologies had been issued before the public reaction arose. The channel regretted any distress caused and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of religious respect.
