Dhaka, Jun 29 (V7N) — Pakistan's media regulator has suspended the broadcasting licence of private television channel Geo News for 15 days following controversy over content aired during a special Muharram programme.

According to Reuters, the regulator said the decision was taken over concerns that the broadcast could hurt religious sentiments, undermine sectarian harmony and pose a risk to public order.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) alleged that a programme aired on June 26 included religious scenes that could offend viewers and negatively affect communal harmony. Citing these concerns, the authority ordered the suspension of Geo News' broadcasting licence for 15 days.

Geo News expressed regret over the incident, saying the controversial footage had been aired unintentionally and did not reflect the channel's editorial policy or institutional beliefs.

In a statement issued on Sunday (June 28), the broadcaster said the video had been removed from all television and digital platforms immediately after the issue came to its attention.

The channel said the footage depicted religious rituals observed in parts of Iraq and the Middle East and was intended solely to highlight local culture and traditions, not to promote or endorse any particular religious ideology or belief.

However, Pakistan's media regulator criticized what it described as a lack of editorial oversight by the broadcaster. It also directed Geo News to conduct an internal investigation into how the footage was aired. The case has been referred to the regulator's Council of Complaints for further review and possible additional action.

Muharram is regarded as one of the most sensitive periods in Pakistan's religious calendar. Authorities maintain heightened security during the month, as even minor religious controversies can trigger widespread public protests. Depictions involving the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or other revered Islamic figures are considered especially sensitive.

Pakistan has faced longstanding criticism from international media rights organizations over press freedom, with television channels and journalists periodically alleging censorship, broadcast suspensions and regulatory pressure.

According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, Pakistan ranks 153rd out of 180 countries.

END/SMA/AJ