CPJ Calls for Reversal of Geo News Suspension in Pakistan
New York, July 2: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Pakistan’s media regulator to immediately withdraw its 15-day suspension of Geo News, describing the action as a serious escalation in official interference with the country’s news media.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) suspended the Karachi-based broadcaster after ruling that content aired during a June 26 Muharram programme could offend religious sentiments and disturb public order.
Waliullah Rahmani, CPJ’s Afghanistan-Pakistan Representative, said the suspension marked “a serious escalation in official interference with Pakistan’s news media.” He called on the Pakistani authorities to withdraw the suspension order immediately and allow Geo News and all independent news organizations to operate without undue government interference.
Pakistan observes heightened media regulations during the holy month of Muharram, while depictions of revered Islamic personalities remain highly sensitive under the country’s legal and regulatory framework.
Geo News later issued a public apology, stating that the material had been aired unintentionally and did not reflect the channel’s editorial policy. The broadcaster removed the content, announced an internal inquiry, and said it had dismissed the employees responsible for producing and approving the broadcast.
