Geo News Apologises Over 10th Muharram Documentary, Says Editorial Lapse Was Unintentional

Karachi: (News Desk) – Geo News has issued an unconditional apology over content aired during its 10th Muharram transmission, Safar-e-Ishq, describing the inclusion of the footage as a “grave editorial error” that did not reflect the channel’s editorial policy, institutional values or respect for the religious sensitivities of the Muslim Ummah.

In a detailed clarification, the broadcaster said the material was broadcast unintentionally and was removed immediately after the channel itself identified the mistake, before any formal complaint or intervention by an authority.

“What happened was wrong. We do not seek to defend, minimise, or rationalise it. We sincerely regret that this material was broadcast,” Geo News said in its statement.

The channel said show-cause notices had been issued to the reporter and members of the editorial committee responsible for the lapse. It added that a formal inquiry had been launched and disciplinary action was being taken under internal policies.

Geo News stated that it had strengthened its editorial approval process by introducing additional review mechanisms, stricter compliance checks and enhanced supervision to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The broadcaster said the footage showed certain rituals practised by a limited number of people in Iraq and some other Middle Eastern countries. It maintained that the content was neither produced by Geo News nor intended to represent, endorse or promote any broader religious viewpoint.

According to the statement, the inclusion of the footage did not reflect the channel’s editorial stance or institutional ideology. Geo News said it had aired clarification and apology messages before the public reaction intensified.

The channel also highlighted its long-standing religious programming, including Aalim Online, Ramazan transmissions and special broadcasts for Hajj, Rabi-ul-Awwal and Muharram, saying its institutional record reflected a commitment to promoting Islamic knowledge and values.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued a notice to Geo News and ordered the suspension of its transmission for 15 days.

According to PEMRA’s order, Geo News broadcasts will remain suspended on satellite and other transmission networks during the period. The regulator also said its Complaints Council would hear the matter and formulate recommendations for further regulatory action.

Geo News reiterated that it respected the widely accepted beliefs and religious sensitivities of the Muslim Ummah and pledged to further improve editorial oversight, staff training and quality-control mechanisms.