Why PEMRA Suspended Geo News Broadcast: Reason Behind the 15-Day Ban

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has ordered the suspension of Geo News’ broadcasting license for 15 days, citing alleged violations of broadcasting regulations during the channel’s religious program Safar-e-Ishq aired on 10th Muharram (June 26, 2026).

The program featured, according to the regulator, “unacceptable religious depiction” and imaginative visual representation that allegedly breached the terms and conditions for Geo News’ broadcast licence.

The content also found to be inconsistent with the Pakistani religious, cultural and social values and violated various clauses of the PEMRA Ordinance, Rules and the Electronic Media Code of Conduct, PEMRA said.

Its broadcast has adversely affected views or may have an adverse effect on religious harmony among viewers, the authority said. In light of these concerns, PEMRA issued a temporary suspension of Geo News’ license to last 15 days.

The regulator also declared that Geo News was not exercising the required editorial prudence in broadcasting religious material. The channel’s internal committee was responsible for the matter of compliance and has not caused the alleged violation, according to PEMRA.

Geo News’ transmission will continue to suspended on satellite and other broadcasting platforms as part of the order and will remain suspended for the duration of its suspension. PEMRA has instructed all distributors and cable operators to immediately adhere to the suspension order.

The authority also announce that the case would taken up with the PEMRA Council of Complaints for further action. After considering the case the council can recommend further regulatory action.

Furthermore, PEMRA has directed Geo News to undertake an in-house investigation and take steps to prevent such an incident from happening again in the future.

The development marks one of the most significant regulatory actions taken against a national television broadcaster in recent months, with further proceedings expected following the Council of Complaints’ hearing.