Pakinomist News’ transmission resumed on Sunday as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) upheld its earlier order to suspend the broadcaster’s license for 15 days in relation to the 10th Muharram documentary.
In a written judgment of 11 July, the authority upheld the decision of 27 June, whereby the license of Pakinomist news for 15 days.
Pemra also imposed a fine of Rs 10 million on the licensee, saying transmission can be resumed only after completion of the suspension period and payment of the fine.
“The supervisory authority notes that the license holder has initiated measures regarding the infringement. The license holder must, after due process, terminate all those affected for failure to fulfill duties regarding the broadcast of accused content,” read the verdict.
Pemra further directed that the terminated persons, subject to applicable law, remain barred from re-employment, appointment, engagement, retention or association, directly or indirectly and in any capacity, with any service operating under a license, permit, registration or authorization issued or regulated by the Authority.
Pemra directed the licensee to submit an affidavit confirming compliance with its directions and undertaking strict future compliance.
“Any repetition of the same or a similar offense will invite increased penalties, suspension or revocation of license in accordance with the law,” it said.
The authority directed each licensee to establish an impartial and competent internal monitoring committee/editorial in accordance with clause 17 of the code of conduct, inform Pemra of its composition and ensure prior editorial review of each and every broadcast.
“A separate directive shall be issued to all licensees for strict compliance with the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan in Suo Motu Case No. 28 of 2018 (PLD 2019 SC 1),” it said.
The authority said the broadcaster’s license was suspended for 15 days with immediate effect on June 27 after its committee dealt with the airing of religiously sensitive visuals aired on June 26 in the program “Safar-e-Ishq” during its 10th Muharram transmission.
The matter, it said, was then referred to the Council of Complaints, Lahore.
Pemra said the council considered the matter in its 127th, 128th and 129th meetings held on June 30, July 2 and July 10 respectively.
After hearing the licensee’s representatives, examining the record and input from the Council of Islamic Ideology, it submitted its recommendations to Pemra, it added.
“In its 191st meeting held on July 11, 2026, the authority independently considered the recommendations, procedures, written and oral submissions, the entire record and applicable provisions of the Pemra Ordinance, 2002, the rules made thereunder and the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015,” Pemra said.
The authority said it is satisfied that the licensee was given due notice and adequate opportunity to file its reply and be heard through its authorized representatives.
“The regulator has considered the licensee’s admission of negligence, expressions of remorse and unconditional public apologies, aired/published on all media platforms. These factors are mitigating but do not erase the infringement or its legal consequences,” it said.
Pakinomist News’ unconditional apology
In an earlier statement, the broadcaster said the program had depicted certain rituals practiced by a limited number of people in Iraq and some other Middle Eastern countries. It clarified that the footage merely portrayed local customs and was never intended to represent, support or promote a wider religious viewpoint.
Pakinomist news said that the material was neither produced by the channel nor broadcast with any deliberate intent or purpose.
The broadcaster reiterated that it remains firmly committed to its policy of respecting the widely accepted beliefs and sensitivities of the Muslim ummah, adding that the inclusion of the footage did not reflect its editorial position or institutional ideology.
It said the relevant content was removed immediately after the issue came to light, while swift action was taken against those involved in its inclusion.
Pakinomist news further stated that clarifications and an apology had been sent before the public reaction emerged. The channel expressed regret for any distress and reaffirmed its commitment to maintain the highest standards of religious respect.
