Pakistan pulls plug on Geo News for 15 days over blasphemy row

Pakistan's media regulatory authority has suspended the broadcast licence of Geo News, one of the country's largest private television channels, for 15 days over content deemed offensive to religious sentiments.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued the suspension order late Saturday night, simultaneously announcing the launch of further investigation and legal proceedings against the channel.

According to PEMRA's order, the action follows the airing of certain scenes in a programme titled Safar-e-Ishq, broadcast on Geo News on Friday morning. The regulator stated that the content had hurt the religious feelings of viewers.

The matter has been referred to PEMRA's Regulatory Council for a thorough inquiry and further action in accordance with Pakistani law. Geo News has also been directed to conduct its own internal investigation — reviewing the full programme, examining the circumstances under which it was aired, and submitting a detailed report to the authority.

Local media reports indicate the complaint was filed by Ibtisam Zahir, chief of Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadis. Zahir is widely identified as a long-standing associate of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, the founder of the banned militant organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The government moved swiftly against the channel following receipt of the complaint. Whether further punitive measures will follow remains contingent on the outcome of the Regulatory Council's investigation.

Source: ABP News