Pakistan's media regulator has suspended Geo News' broadcast licence for 15 days over content aired during a programme marking Muharram, citing that the material could offend religious sentiments, undermine religious harmony, and disturb public order.
Details of the Suspension
The suspension was imposed after the channel broadcast what the regulator described as 'religious visualisations' on June 26. The regulator stated that the content had the potential to provoke religious sensitivities and disrupt public peace.
Geo News' Response and Apology
Geo News issued an apology on Sunday, stating that the material was aired in error and did not reflect the channel's editorial position or beliefs. The channel confirmed that the content had been removed from all its platforms. It explained that the footage showed rituals practised by some people in Iraq and the Middle East and was intended to depict local customs, not to endorse any religious viewpoint.
According to the channel, the offending segment was part of a programme about Muharram observances and was meant to provide cultural context. However, the regulator deemed it inappropriate and potentially harmful to interfaith harmony.
