Pakistan’s media regulator has suspended the broadcast licence of television channel Geo News for 15 days over content aired during a programme marking Muharram, one of the most sensitive periods in the Islamic calendar.
The regulator said Geo News aired ‘religious visualisations’ during a June 26 programme that could offend religious sentiments, undermine religious harmony and disturb public order.
Regulator’s Decision
Geo News has apologised and issued a statement saying the material had been aired in error and did not reflect the channel’s editorial position or beliefs.
Depictions of the Prophet Mohammed and other revered Islamic figures are a highly charged issue in Pakistan, where mass protests have broken out over cartoons published in Western countries.
Pakistan’s media regulator said Geo had failed to exercise editorial caution and directed it to conduct an internal inquiry. The matter was also referred to the regulator’s Council of Complaints.
Pakistan has faced persistent criticism over press freedom, with television channels periodically facing regulatory action, suspensions and transmission restrictions.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
