Pakistan's media regulator has sought the opinion of the country's top constitutional Islamic advisory body on whether the penalties imposed on Geo News over a controversial Muharram broadcast are sufficient or if further action is warranted, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.
Background of the Case
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) suspended Geo News's license and transmission for 15 days last week over content that included depictions of revered Islamic figures. PEMRA stated that the visuals could hurt religious sentiments and undermine public order. The move marks the latest step in regulatory proceedings against one of Pakistan's largest private television broadcasters.
Council of Complaints Meeting
According to Pakistan's information ministry, PEMRA's Council of Complaints met in Lahore on June 30 to consider the case against Geo News. The council decided to seek guidance from the Council of Islamic Ideology before submitting its recommendations to the PEMRA Authority. The ministry stated: "The Council raised the question of whether the suspension of the license by PEMRA, along with the apology and measures presented by Geo News, are sufficient in this case or whether further action is required."
Role of the Council of Islamic Ideology
The Council of Islamic Ideology is a constitutional advisory body established to examine whether laws conform to Islamic injunctions and to advise parliament and governments on Islamic matters. Its recommendations are not legally binding but often carry significant weight on religious issues. The ministry said the regulator sought the council's guidance due to the sensitivity of religious matters and Article 19 of Pakistan's Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom subject to reasonable restrictions, including those relating to the glory of Islam.
Geo News's Response
Geo News's executive director appeared before the Council of Complaints along with legal representatives. He informed the body of the measures taken by the broadcaster and requested that the suspension of its license be lifted. Geo News announced on Wednesday that it had dismissed the employees responsible for producing and approving the documentary that prompted the suspension. The broadcaster also introduced additional editorial safeguards, including adding an Islamic scholar to its editorial review process for sensitive religious content. Geo News issued an unconditional public apology, stating that the material had been aired in error, did not reflect its editorial position, and depicted rituals practiced by some people in Iraq and the Middle East rather than endorsing any religious belief.
PEMRA's Initial Action
PEMRA suspended the channel last week after finding that a June 26 Muharram transmission included what it described as "religious visualization" liable to hurt religious sentiments, undermine religious harmony, and disturb public order. The regulator also directed the broadcaster to conduct an internal inquiry and submit its findings to the Council of Complaints.
