Reporters Without Borders ranked Pakistan 153 out of 180 countries in its 2026 World Press Freedom Index.
The Media Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has suspended the broadcasting license of Geo News Channel for 15 days after it found that the channel broadcast content during a program marking the month of Muharram that may offend religious sentiments and disturb public order.The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) said the channel aired “religious depictions” during its broadcast on June 26, adding that the material had the potential to offend viewers, undermine religious harmony and create concerns about law and order during one of the holiest and most sensitive periods in the Islamic calendar.Geo News has since apologized, saying the footage was broadcast inadvertently and does not reflect the channel’s editorial policy or religious beliefs.The channel said in a statement issued on Sunday that the content was broadcast in error and has been removed from all its platforms.The channel said that the pictures depict religious rituals practiced by some communities in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East and were intended only to illustrate local customs and not to endorse any particular religious interpretation.Pakistan remains very sensitive to depictions of the Prophet Muhammad and other revered Islamic figures.
Such issues have previously sparked widespread protests in the country, including demonstrations over cartoons published in parts of Europe.Religious tensions often intensify during Muharram, prompting the authorities to impose strict security measures to prevent sectarian unrest and maintain public order.The regulator said Geo News failed to exercise sufficient editorial caution before broadcasting the programme.
The broadcaster has directed an internal investigation into the incident, with the matter also being referred to the regulator’s Complaints Board for further action.Geo News is one of the largest privately owned television broadcasters in Pakistan and has previously faced regulatory scrutiny.The comment comes against the backdrop of continuing international concern about media freedom in Pakistan. TV channels have periodically faced suspensions, restrictions and other regulatory measures in recent years.Reporters Without Borders ranked Pakistan 153 out of 180 countries in its 2026 World Press Freedom Index.
