Pakistan Suspends Geo News Broadcast Licence for 15 Days Over Religious Content

Reporters Without Borders ranked Pakistan 153rd out of 180 countries in its 2026 World Press Freedom Index. Pakistan's media regulator has suspended the broadcast licence of Geo News for 15 days after finding that the channel aired content during a programme marking Muharram that could hurt religious sentiments and disrupt public order. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) said the channel broadcast "religious visualisations" during its June 26 transmission, adding that the material had the potential to offend viewers, undermine religious harmony and create law and order concerns during one of the holiest and most sensitive periods in the Islamic calendar. Geo News has since apologised, saying the footage was broadcast inadvertently and did not reflect the channel's editorial policy or religious beliefs. In a statement issued on Sunday, the broadcaster said the content had been aired in error and had been removed from all its platforms. The channel said the visuals depicted religious rituals practised by some communities in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East and were intended only to illustrate local customs rather than endorse any particular religious interpretation. Pakistan remains highly sensitive to depictions of the Prophet Mohammed and other revered Islamic figures. Such issues have previously sparked widespread protests in the country, including demonstrations over cartoons published in parts of Europe. Religious tensions often intensify during Muharram, prompting authorities to impose heightened security measures to prevent sectarian unrest and maintain public order. The regulator said Geo News had failed to exercise adequate editorial caution before airing the programme. It has directed the broadcaster to conduct an internal inquiry into the incident, while also referring the matter to the regulator's Council of Complaints for further proceedings. Geo News is one of Pakistan's largest privately owned television broadcasters and has previously faced regulatory scrutiny. The suspension comes against the backdrop of continued international concern over media freedom in Pakistan. Television channels have periodically faced suspensions, restrictions and other regulatory action in recent years. Reporters Without Borders ranked Pakistan 153rd out of 180 countries in its 2026 World Press Freedom Index.