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  "path": "/news/2012406/pemra-seeks-council-of-islamic-ideologys-guidance-on-geo-news-suspension",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-02T06:39:05.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.dawn.com",
  "tags": [
    "Pakistan",
    "suspended",
    "taken action"
  ],
  "textContent": "The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has written to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) seeking “guidance” on whether _Geo News’_ response to the recent suspension is adequate or requires further action, it emerged on Thursday.\n\nOn June 28, Pemra suspended with “immediate effect” _Geo News_ ’ licence for 15 days over airing a special transmission that the body said was “liable to hurt the religious sentiments of viewers”. Geo News has acknowledged its mistake in airing the transmission broadcast on Muharram 10 and has also taken action against two employees.\n\nThe letter, dated July 1, and addressed to the CII chairman, Pemra requested guidance on the matter, with Council of Complaints (CoC) Chairperson Lubna Zaheer stating, “The CII is requested to guide whether the suspension order already passed and the public apology as well as actions so far rendered by _Geo News_ constitute an adequate response and if not, to what extent any further action may be warranted in light of Islamic teachings and injunctions”.\n\nIt further requested that the guidance be given in the next seven days — up to July 8.\n\nThe letter said that Pemra ordered the suspension of _Geo News’_ license for a period of 15 days and directed that the channel’s transmission be suspended on satellite and across all distribution networks during this period. In further action, Pemra also referred the matter to the CoC to decide whether any further regulatory action was required.\n\n“The CoC is to submuit its appropriate recommendations to the authority as to whether the suspension of the channel for fifteen days and the apology as well as actions so far rendered by _Geo News_ are sufficient in relation to the airing of the aforesaid content, or whether any further regulatory, disciplinary or penal action is warranted under the Pemra Ordinance, 2002, the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder, the Code of Conduct, 2015, and all other enabling provisions of law,” the letter said.\n\n## **Geo apologises for ‘mistake’**\n\nOn June 28, _Geo News_ in a statement, acknowledged its mistake in airing the transmission broadcast on Muharram 10:\n\n“This content depicted certain rituals adopted by a limited number of people in Iraq and some other Middle Eastern countries. The content merely reflected these local rituals, and its purpose was not to represent, endorse, or promote any broader religious point of view.\n\nThis content was neither produced by _Geo News_ nor was its broadcast carried out with any intention or purpose.\n\nWe wish to clarify that _Geo News_ remains firmly committed to its policy of respecting the widely accepted beliefs and sensitivities of the Muslim Ummah. The inclusion of such content does not reflect our editorial position or the ideology of the organisation.\n\nThe relevant content was removed immediately, and the organisation promptly took action against the individuals involved.\n\nClarifications and an apology had been broadcast before the public response to the statement.\n\nWe express regret for any distress caused and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of religious respect.”\n\nThe channel also expressed regret that the material in question was broadcast.\n\n“The incident was completely unintentional. This was a grave editorial error. It was neither deliberate nor reflective of _Geo News_ ’ editorial values or institutional beliefs […] We identified and corrected the mistake ourselves,” it said, adding that show-cause notices were issued to the reporter and the members of the editorial committee responsible for the “lapse”.\n\n“A formal inquiry was initiated, and strict disciplinary action is being taken in accordance with our internal policies,” it added.",
  "title": "Pemra seeks Council of Islamic Ideology's guidance on Geo News' suspension"
}