PEMRA suspends Geo News’ licence for 15 days

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority (PEMRA) has suspended Geo News�۪ license for 15 days and fined it Rs. 10 million.

The order comes weeks after the Defence Ministry filed a complaint against the Pakistani broadcaster. The fine needs to be paid before the expiry of the suspension period. Non-payment of this will result in the service being suspended.

According to PEMRA spokesman, the license was suspended on a complaint filed by the Defence Ministry earlier. Geo News has also been fined Rs 10 million to be paid before the expiry of the suspension period. The authority further decided that in case of repeated violation by Geo News, proceedings for the revocation of the license will be initiated.

It may be mentioned here that PEMRA has already been punishing Geo News which remains shut in 90 per cent of the areas in Pakistan for the last 45 days. Geo News has already apologised and had incurred Rs 2 billion in losses. Also, Geo News was not provided any evidence nor was its stance heard by PEMRA.