Pakistan's Geo TV faces ban

Pakistani authorities have suspended the licences of three television channels owned by the Geo TV network, a leading daily reported Tuesday.

A panel formed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to review a complaint filed by the ministry of defence against the TV network for leveling allegations against an intelligence agency has also ordered that Geo TV offices be sealed, The Dawn reported.

The panel members told reporters in Islamabad that they have decided to suspend the licences of the three channels - Geo News, Geo Entertainment and Geo Tez - with immediate effect.

However, a final decision on the revocation of the licences will be announced after a meeting May 28, which will also be attended by government representatives.

"All members unanimously decided that the licence for Geo News be cancelled. However, due to a legal formality that could not be completed, we have sent our recommendations to the Council of Complaints, advising that they respond before May 28, the date for our next meeting," said Mian Shamsur Rehman, a member of the committee.