Pakistan’s media regulator has suspended the broadcast licence of popular Urdu news channel Geo News for 15 days over content shown during a Muharram programme, saying it could offend religious sentiments and threaten public order.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) announced the suspension on Saturday.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam.
Which programme led to the suspension?
The action was taken over a programme called “Safar-e-Ishq”, which aired on June 26 during the holy month of Muharram.
According to PEMRA, the programme included religious visualisations that did not consider Pakistan’s religious and cultural sensitivities.
The regulator said the content had the potential to damage religious harmony and create law and order problems.
However, PEMRA did not specify which scenes or visuals violated broadcasting rules.
Geo News removes programme and issues apology
Following the suspension, Geo News removed the programme from all its digital platforms and issued a public apology.
The channel admitted that an editorial mistake had been made during the Muharram transmission and expressed regret over the incident.
Geo News said the documentary showed religious rituals practised by a small number of Shia Muslims in Iraq and some Middle Eastern countries. The channel clarified that the footage was intended only to show local customs and traditions and was not meant to support or promote any religious viewpoint.
Why is Muharram a sensitive time in Pakistan?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the holiest months in Islam.
In Pakistan, authorities increase security and closely monitor media content during Muharram because of concerns about sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shia communities.
Religious depictions, especially of the Prophet Muhammad and other respected Islamic figures, remain highly sensitive in the country.
Shia rituals and Sectarian concerns
Some Shia communities in Iraq observe Muharram through ta’ziyah processions and dramatic re-enactments of early Islamic events and personalities.
Many Sunni scholars discourage these practices, making the issue particularly sensitive in Pakistan, where Sunni Muslims form the majority population.
Shia Muslims make up around 10% of Pakistan’s population, and sectarian tensions have occasionally led to violence in the past.
Concerns over press freedom in Pakistan
The suspension of Geo News has once again raised concerns about media freedom in Pakistan.
Media organisations have repeatedly claimed that television channels face increasing censorship, restrictions and regulatory pressure.
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Pakistan ranked 153rd out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, highlighting ongoing concerns about media independence in the country.
Pakistan also has strict blasphemy laws, and allegations of religious offences have sometimes resulted in protests, mob violence and vigilante attacks.
