Pakistan’s media regulator PEMRA has suspended the broadcast license of Geo News for 15 days, citing allegations that the channel aired content offensive to religious sentiments. According to Reuters, the decision followed the airing of a special program titled “Safar-e-Ishq” on June 26, which reportedly contained scenes that provoked public complaints. PEMRA stated that the material could incite unrest and threaten law and order, prompting the suspension order issued late on June 27. The directive applies to all distribution platforms, including satellite and cable networks.

In a statement on June 28, Geo News apologized for the incident, describing the broadcast as an unintentional error and confirming that the disputed content had been removed from all its platforms. Local media reported that Ibtisam Zahid, head of Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith, filed the complaint that led to the investigation. PEMRA has also instructed Geo News to review its editorial oversight and internal monitoring systems.

Religious sensitivity remains a highly regulated issue in Pakistan, where similar controversies have previously affected other media outlets. The country ranks 153rd out of 180 in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders.