The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has upheld its earlier decision to suspend Geo News for 15 days over the depiction of religious figures during the channel’s Muharram 10 transmission, warning that any similar violation in the future could result in the cancellation of its broadcasting licence.
With the suspension period ending on Saturday, Geo News resumed its transmission at midnight.
In its final order, issued after the authority’s 191st meeting, PEMRA said it had thoroughly examined the case, considering the recommendations of the Council of Complaints Lahore, records of the proceedings, written and oral submissions by the channel, the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, relevant rules, and the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015.
The Council of Complaints reviewed the matter during its 127th, 128th and 129th meetings held on June 30, July 2 and July 10. After hearing Geo News representatives, examining the evidence and taking into account the opinion of the Council of Islamic Ideology, it submitted its recommendations to the authority.
PEMRA said the broadcaster was given a fair opportunity to present its defence before the final decision was reached.
The regulator concluded that the violation was serious and breached the responsibilities of a licence holder under PEMRA laws as well as the standards of responsible broadcasting.
Although Geo News admitted negligence, expressed regret and issued an unconditional apology across its media platforms, PEMRA said these factors did not negate the violation or its legal consequences.
Also read: Geo News’ 15-day broadcast suspension ends tonight at midnight
