Karachi: The broadcast licence of leading Pakistani television channel Geo News has been suspended for 15 days over content aired during a Muharram programme, reported Reuters.
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) said Geo News broadcast “religious vi
sualisations” during a programme on June 26 titled ‘Safar-e-Ishq’ that could offend religious sentiments, undermine religious harmony and disturb public order.
The country’s media regulator directed Geo News to conduct an internal inquiry into the editorial lapse and referred the matter to its Council of Complaints.
Geo News has apologised and issued a statement saying the material had been aired in error and did not reflect the channel’s editorial position or beliefs.
The channel removed the content in question from all its platforms.
According to Geo News, the footage showed rituals practised by some people in Iraq and the Middle East, and was intended to show local customs, not endorse any religious view.
Over the years, Pakistan has faced criticism about press freedom. TV channels have faced regulatory action like suspensions and transmission restrictions from time to time.