ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued its final decision in the Geo News controversial documentary case on 10th Muharram-ul-Haram.
The decision was taken during PEMRA Authority’s 191st meeting held on July 11, 2026, after reviewing the recommendations of the Council of Complaints Lahore, records of the proceedings, written and oral submissions of the licensee, and relevant provisions of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, associated rules, and the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015.
As per the decision, the case was deliberated upon by the Council of Complaints in its 127th, 128th, and 129th sessions held on June 30, July 2, and July 10, 2026, respectively. The opinion of the Council of Islamic Ideology was also taken into consideration before presenting recommendations to the concerned authority.
PEMRA further added that Geo News, as well as its representatives, were afforded a fair opportunity to defend themselves in relation to the case.
Violation in question was declared to be a serious one since it was against the spirit of responsible broadcasting and the liabilities of licensees as per the provisions of PEMRA regulations.
Geo News has accepted its negligence, regretted, and unconditionally apologized for its actions through various channels of communication, but it did not make any difference from the perspective of the violation.
PEMRA Upholds Geo News Suspension Till Midnight, Imposes Rs10 Million Fine
The concerned regulatory authority reaffirmed its decision to suspend the license of Geo News for 15 days from June 27, 2026, and that the suspension order would continue to be operative till midnight of the current day.
As per the decision, Geo News will be allowed to resume transmission once the period of suspension ends and the Rs10 million fine is paid.
Moreover, PEMRA instructed the management of Geo News to institute disciplinary action against those responsible for the violation, in line with the relevant rules.
It further said that those who would be dismissed from their services on account of the aforementioned action will not be allowed to interact with any service licensed, registered, or authorized by PEMRA in the future.
The regulatory authority warned Geo News that a similar violation in the future could cost its license.
PEMRA also orders to set up an impartial and competent in-house committee or editorial board for monitoring and provide the names to the regulator. The broadcasters were also asked to ensure prior editorial scrutiny of the content.
The authority announced that separate directives would be issued to all licensees for strict implementation of the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s ruling in Suo Motu Case No. 28 of 2018 (PLD 2019 SC 1).
PEMRA reiterated that any future violations of the code of conduct would attract stricter action under the law.
