Geo News faces more action as Pemra consults Council of Islamic Ideology?
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has formally approached the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) for its opinion on the Geo News suspension. The regulator wants to know whether the steps already taken by the channel are sufficient or if further action should be considered.
According to a letter dated July 1, Pemra asked CII Chairman for guidance on the matter. The authority requested a response within seven days, setting July 8 as the deadline for receiving the council’s opinion.
The letter quoted Council of Complaints Chairperson Lubna Zaheer, saying, “The CII is requested to guide whether the suspension order already passed and the public apology as well as actions so far rendered by Geo News constitute an adequate response and if not, to what extent any further action may be warranted in light of Islamic teachings and injunctions”.
Pemra had suspended Geo News’ licence for 15 days with “immediate effect” on June 28. The regulator said a special transmission aired on Muharram 10 was “liable to hurt the religious sentiments of viewers”.
Also read: Pemra slaps Geo News with 15-day transmission suspension, what happened?
Geo News admitted its mistake over the broadcast and issued a public apology. The channel also took disciplinary action against two employees following the incident.
The regulator also referred the matter to its Council of Complaints to review whether more regulatory measures should be taken. The council has been asked to examine the case under the Pemra Ordinance, 2002, relevant rules, the Code of Conduct, 2015, and other applicable legal provisions.
The letter further stated, “The CoC is to submit its appropriate recommendations to the authority as to whether the suspension of the channel for fifteen days and the apology as well as actions so far rendered by Geo News are sufficient in relation to the airing of the aforesaid content, or whether any further regulatory, disciplinary or penal action is warranted under the Pemra Ordinance, 2002, the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder, the Code of Conduct, 2015, and all other enabling provisions of law,”.
The case has now moved beyond the initial suspension and entered a review stage. The CII’s opinion could play an important role in deciding whether the current punishment is enough or if additional action will follow.
