The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has approached the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) for guidance following ‘ response to its recent suspension order. The suspension, lasting 15 days, was imposed after aired a programme on the 10th of Muharram that PEMRA deemed offensive to religious sentiments.
PEMRA’s suspension order cited the broadcast on June 26 for featuring an “unacceptable religious portrayal,” which violated the channel’s licensing terms and several provisions of PEMRA regulations. The regulator emphasized that the transmission breached established guidelines designed to protect viewers’ religious sensitivities.
In its latest communication, PEMRA has formally referred the matter to the CII to determine whether ‘ public apology and corrective measures are sufficient. The regulator’s Council of Complaints convened on June 30 in Lahore to review the contentious broadcast, which was part of a special Muharram transmission titled Safar-e-Ishq.
During the hearing, ‘ executive directors and legal representatives appealed for leniency and urged the immediate lifting of the suspension. They argued that the objectionable content resulted from an inadvertent human error. The network highlighted that it had issued a public apology in leading newspapers, removed the content from all digital platforms, and initiated an internal inquiry against those responsible.
However, PEMRA’s Council of Complaints noted that the broadcaster failed to provide documentary proof of the internal investigation or any disciplinary actions taken against the employees involved. This lack of evidence raised concerns about the adequacy of the channel’s response.
Balancing the sensitivity of the issue with Article 19 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and press subject to reasonable restrictions for the protection of Islam’s dignity, the Council has formally requested comprehensive and binding guidance from the CII. Dr. Lubna Zaheer, Chairperson of the Council of Complaints, stated in an official letter dated July 1 that the CII’s advice is sought on whether the suspension and public apology sufficiently address the violation.
Additionally, the CII has been asked to recommend if further regulatory, disciplinary, or penal measures are necessary under Islamic law. PEMRA’s existing legal framework allows it to permanently revoke a broadcaster’s licence or impose fines up to Rs10 million for serious infractions.
The Council of Islamic Ideology is expected to provide its formal guidance by July 8, 2026, which will influence PEMRA’s next steps regarding ‘ licence and potential penalties.
