World ( The cow news digital ) Geo News has resumed its transmission after completing a 15-day suspension period imposed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and paying the required fine.
PEMRA issued its final decision in the Geo News suspension case, stating that the matter was related to religious representation in the 10th Muharram broadcast of the channel’s program “Safar-e-Ishq.”
According to PEMRA, the authority reviewed the case in detail during its 191st meeting held on July 11. The review included recommendations from the Lahore Council of Complaints, official records of the proceedings, written and verbal explanations submitted by the license holder, and relevant provisions of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, rules, and the Electronic Media (Programs and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015.
The Council of Complaints examined the matter during its 127th, 128th, and 129th meetings held on June 30, July 2, and July 10, 2026. After hearing representatives of Geo News, reviewing the available record, and considering the opinion of the Council of Islamic Ideology, the council submitted its recommendations to PEMRA.
PEMRA said Geo News and its representatives were provided a fair opportunity to present their position. The authority concluded that the violation was serious in nature and against the responsibilities of a licensed broadcaster under media regulations and standards of responsible broadcasting.
However, PEMRA also considered Geo News’ acknowledgment of negligence, expression of regret, and unconditional apology issued across its media platforms as mitigating factors. The authority clarified that these factors did not remove the violation or its legal consequences.
Under the final decision, PEMRA upheld the suspension order issued on June 27, 2026, confirming that Geo News would remain off air until midnight on July 11. The channel was allowed to resume broadcasts after completing the suspension period and paying a fine of Rs100 million.
PEMRA further directed Geo News management to complete action against individuals responsible for the alleged negligence according to applicable rules. Employees removed as a result of the action will not be allowed to work directly or indirectly with any PEMRA-licensed, registered, or authorized service.
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The regulator warned Geo News that any future violation could lead to cancellation of its license. PEMRA also instructed all licensed broadcasters, including Geo News, to establish independent and qualified internal monitoring committees or editorial boards to ensure prior review of broadcast content.
The authority said separate guidelines would be issued to ensure strict compliance with Supreme Court directives related to media content. PEMRA warned that any future violations would result in stronger action under the law.World۔
