Pakistan’s Media Regulator Pulls Geo News Off Air for 15 Days After June 26 Muharram Broadcast Airs Footage That Could Offend Religious Sentiments
Reuters reports that Pakistan’s media regulator suspended the broadcast licence of Geo News for 15 days on June 28 over content aired during a June 26 programme marking Muharram; one of the most sensitive periods in the Islamic calendar, with the watchdog stating the channel broadcast “religious visualisations” that could offend religious sentiments, undermine religious harmony, and disturb public order.
Geo News Issued an Apology Saying the Footage of Iraqi and Middle Eastern Rituals Was Aired in Error and Did Not Reflect the Channel’s Editorial Beliefs
Geo News, one of Pakistan’s largest private television channels said 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. The channel said the material had been aired in error and did not reflect its editorial position or beliefs, and that all content had been removed from its platforms.
Pakistan Ranked 153rd Out of 180 Countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2026 Press Freedom Index as TV Channels Face Regular Regulatory Suspensions
Depictions of the Prophet Mohammed and other revered Islamic figures are a highly charged issue in Pakistan, where mass protests have erupted over cartoons published in Western countries. Pakistan has faced persistent criticism over press freedom, with television channels periodically facing regulatory action and transmission restrictions, a pattern reflected in its 153rd-place ranking in the 2026 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index.
One of Pakistan’s most-watched news channels is off air for two weeks over footage it says was a mistake. The suspension serves as its own reminder of the terrain Pakistani broadcasters must navigate daily.
Check out our previous coverage of Pakistan media and press freedom here.
