PK Press Club News’ transmission resumed on Sunday as Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) confirmed its earlier decision to suspend the broadcaster’s license for 15 days for the 10th Muharram documentary.
In a written verdict dated July 11, the authority upheld the June 27 decision, suspending the license of PK Press Club News for 15 days.
Pemra also imposed a fine of Rs 10 million on the license holder, saying transmission can only be resumed once the suspension period ends and fine payment is completed.
“The Authority notes that the Holder has initiated action regarding the violation. The Holder must, after due process, dismiss all affected persons for failure to fulfill their obligations related to the dissemination of the disputed content,” the verdict reads.
Pemra further directed that the dismissed persons shall, subject to applicable law, remain ineligible for re-employment, appointment, engagement, retention or association, directly or indirectly and in any capacity whatsoever, with any service operating under any license, permission, registration or authorization issued or regulated by the authority.
Pemra ordered the licensee to submit an affidavit confirming compliance with its instructions and undertaking to strictly comply with them in future.
“Any repeat offense of the same or similar offense will result in increased sanctions, suspension or revocation of license, in accordance with the law,” the text states.
The authority has directed each licensee to constitute an impartial and competent internal monitoring committee/editorial board in accordance with Article 17 of the Code of Conduct, to inform Pemra of its composition and to ensure prior editorial control of each broadcast.
“A separate directive will be issued to all licensees for strict compliance with the judgment of the 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 examined the broadcast of religiously sensitive visual depictions aired on June 26 in the show ‘Safar-e-Ishq’ during its 10th Muharram transmission.
The matter, according to the statement, was later referred to the Lahore Complaints Council.
Pemra said the Council considered the issue during its 127th, 128th and 129th meetings held on June 30, July 2 and July 10, respectively.
After hearing the representatives of the licensee, examining the file and the comments of the Council of Islamic Ideology, it submitted its recommendations to Pemra, he added.
“In its 191st meeting held on July 11, 2026, the Authority independently considered the recommendations, procedures, written and oral submissions, full record and applicable provisions of the Pemra Ordinance, 2002, the rules made thereunder and the Electronic Media (Programs and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015,” Pemra said.
The authority was satisfied that the licensee was duly informed and given the opportunity to submit its response and be heard through its authorized representatives.
“The Authority took into account the admission of negligence of the holder, the expression of remorse and the unconditional public apology, broadcast/published on all media platforms. These factors are mitigating but do not erase the violation or its legal consequences,” she indicated.
Unconditional apology from PK Press Club News
In an earlier statement, the network said the show depicted some rituals practiced by a limited number of people in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries. It clarified that the images simply depicted local customs and were never intended to represent, endorse or promote a broader religious viewpoint.
PK Press Club News said the material was not produced by the channel or broadcast with any deliberate intention or purpose.
The channel 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 images did not reflect its editorial position or institutional ideology.
It said the affected content was removed immediately after the issue came to light, while swift action was taken against those involved in its inclusion.
PK Press Club News further stated that clarifications and apologies were issued before public backlash emerged. The channel expressed regret for any distress caused and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of religious respect.
