Another Show Cause Notice for GEO TV for Airing Blasphemous Content
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a fresh show cause notice to GEO TV after receiving more than 5,000 public complaints over allegedly blasphemous content broadcast in its morning show Utho Jago Pakistan.
PEMRA Cites Violation of Code of Conduct
According to PEMRA, the content violated clauses (a), (i), and (p) of the PEMRA Code of Conduct outlined in Schedule A of the PEMRA Rules 2009. Under Section 26 of the PEMRA Act 2007, the matter has been referred to the Council of Complaints, which has been directed to issue a decision within one week.
GEO Entertainment Under Fire After ISI Controversy
This is not the first time GEO has come under scrutiny. Previously, GEO News faced backlash for its coverage of the ISI. Now, its entertainment arm is under criticism for allegedly disrespecting Islamic values and traditions in its programming.
Religious Scholars Condemn Broadcast
Religious leaders, particularly from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), have strongly condemned the content. The SIC has issued a fatwa against GEO TV, accusing the network of airing material that offends religious and cultural sentiments.
Apology and Internal Inquiry from GEO TV
In response to the backlash, GEO TV initiated an internal inquiry. The morning show’s host, Dr. Shaista Wahidi, publicly apologized, calling the broadcast an “inadvertent mistake.”
“I and my entire team feel deeply sorry for the consequences that were unintentionally triggered by the content,” she stated.
Sunni Ittehad Council Plans Legal Action
Despite the apology, SIC leader Sahibzada Hamid Raza announced plans to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He stated that GEO TV must be tried for blasphemy against the Holy Quran and Islamic teachings.
Raza emphasized the media’s responsibility, stating, “Media platforms with large audiences must ensure that their content does not offend religious beliefs.”
Nationwide Protests Announced
The SIC also announced plans for nationwide protest sit-ins against GEO TV. “We will continue our protests until the channel is banned from broadcasting,” said Raza.
