Admin 
09 October 2025
Pakistan's electronic media landscape stands as a testament to the nation's resilient and often turbulent democratic spirit, where news channels serve not just as informants but as battlegrounds for ideas, power, and public discourse. As of October 2025, with over 120 licensed news broadcasters under the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the sector reaches approximately 75% of the country's 240 million population, blending traditional TV with surging digital platforms. Viewership data from Medialogic and Gallup Pakistan indicate that news consumption has spiked 15% year over year, driven by political instability, economic reforms under the IMF program, and regional tensions with India. Yet, this vibrancy comes amid challenges: PEMRA's tightened regulations on "anti-state" content, a 20% dip in ad revenues due to inflation, and the rise of OTT streaming eroding linear TV shares. This comprehensive article explores every facet from historical roots and regulatory shackles to ownership intricacies, program ecosystems, biases, digital pivots, societal ripples, and future trajectories spotlighting the top 10 most watched channels based on July October 2025 ratings from Medialogic, which aggregate TRPs across urban rural divides using peoplemeters in 2,050 households across 30 cities.
Historical Evolution: From State Monopoly to Media Explosion
The story of Pakistani news media begins in the shadows of partition. Radio dominated post-1947, with stations in Lahore, Peshawar, and Dhaka broadcasting state controlled narratives under the Pakistan Broadcasting Service. Television arrived in 1964 via Pakistan Television (PTV), a black and white monopoly that prioritized nation building propaganda during wars with India (1965, 1971) and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's era. The 1980s under General Zia-ul-Haq saw color TV and FM radio, but censorship peaked with the Press and Publications Ordinance, stifling dissent. Liberalization ignited in 2002 under Pervez Musharraf's PEMRA Ordinance, privatizing airwaves and birthing Geo News as the first 24/7 Urdu channel. By 2006, over 50 channels launched, fueled by expatriate remittances and satellite tech, turning Pakistan into South Asia's most channel-dense market. The 2010s brought HD upgrades and talk-show booms, but hybrid regimes post Musharraf imposed selective bans, like the 2016 Geo blackout. Today, evolution grapples with 5G rollout and AI driven content, yet echoes of colonial-era sedition laws persist, shaping a media that mirrors Pakistan's fractured federalism Punjab-centric, urban-biased, and linguistically Urdu-dominant despite Baloch, Sindhi, and Pashto demands.
Regulatory Framework: PEMRA's Balancing Act
PEMRA, established in 2002 as an independent watchdog, licenses channels, enforces content codes, and fines violations under the PEMRA Ordinance (amended 2023 for digital oversight). In 2025, it regulates 24 hour news mandates, prohibiting hate speech, fake news, and immoral content, with penalties up to PKR 50 million or license revocation. Recent directives (September 2025) banned WhatsApp group sharing of "sensitive" footage without formal notices, sparking compliance fears among channels like ARY and Geo. PEMRA's Landing Rights Permission (LRP) controls foreign channels, blocking Indian content during tensions. Critics decry its politicization e.g., 2024's temporary ratings ban reversal after broadcaster lobbying while supporters hail 2025's anti disinformation push, including AI fact checking mandates. Yet, enforcement remains uneven: urban channels face scrutiny, rural FM escapes, highlighting PEMRA's struggle between free speech and national security in a post 2022 cipher scandal era.
Viewership Metrics: Decoding the Numbers
Ratings are measured via Medialogic's Tam (Television Audience Measurement) system, tracking 2,050 households for GRPs (Gross Rating Points) and audience shares. In Q3 2025, news genre captured 28% of prime time TV (8-11 PM), up from 22% in 2024, with spikes during budget sessions (June) and floods (August). Urban centers (Karachi 35%, Lahore 28%) dominate, but rural viewership via DTH grew 12%. Gallup's May 2025 survey showed 65% of Pakistanis trust TV news, though 40% cite bias. Digital metrics YouTube views, social engagement now factor 30% into hybrid ratings, with channels like Geo amassing 12 billion annual views. Challenges include underrepresentation of women (only 15% of panelists) and ethnic minorities, skewing data toward elite opinions.
1. Geo News
Geo News, the crown jewel of the Jang Group's sprawling empire, launched on Independence Day 2002 from Karachi, revolutionizing Pakistan's media by ending PTV's monopoly with live, unfiltered coverage of the 2007 lawyers' movement. Owned by Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman (51% stake via Independent Media Corporation) and partnered with Dubai-based ARY for distribution, it broadcasts in Urdu and English to 150 million via 40 satellites. By October 2025, Geo commands 24.5% audience share (up from 21.3% in 2024), with 27,341 GRPs the highest ever fueled by PSL cricket and election specials. Flagship programs like Capital Talk (Hamid Mir, 2.5 million weekly viewers, dissecting power plays), Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath (investigative scoops on corruption), and Meray Mutabiq (Najam Sethi’s policy deep dives) dominate evenings, blending anchors' star power with 500+ correspondents. Controversies abound: a 2014 army rift led to a 15 hour blackout, and 2025 PEMRA fines for anti institution reports on military trials. Digitally, its YouTube (15 million subs) and X feeds amplify reach, yet ownership ties to PML-N fuel bias accusations. Geo's ethos Journalism of Courage embodies Pakistan's media defiance, shaping 40% of urban discourse.
2. ARY News
ARY News burst onto screens September 26, 2004, from Karachi under the ARY Digital Network, founded by UK based Pakistani tycoon Salman Iqbal (via ARY Properties Pvt Ltd, with Dubai holdings). Evolving from ARY's entertainment roots, it pivoted to news amid Musharraf's liberalization, gaining fame for 2013 election coverage. In 2025, it holds 18% share, trailing Geo but leading digital with 8 billion YouTube views, per Gallup. Key programs include 11th Hour (Waseem Badami, 1.8 million viewers, grilling politicians), Off the Record (Kashif Abbasi, exposing scandals), and "Power Play" (Arshad Sharif's legacy, now Wajahat Saeed, on security lapses). Ownership links to PTI (Iqbal's Imran Khan ties) invite bias claims, notably 2023's London Plan exposes. A 2018 ban for anti judiciary content tested resilience, but 2025's HD upgrades and TikTok clips boosted youth appeal (45% under-30 viewers). ARY's global bureaus in London and New York extend diaspora influence, making it a polarizing force in hybrid warfare narratives.
3. Samaa TV
Samaa TV, slogan Awam Ki Awaaz, debuted December 2007 from Karachi under Jaag Broadcasting Systems Pvt Ltd, owned by PTI politician Aleem Khan (70% stake) with Qatari investors. Born from the post-2007 emergency flux, it carved a niche in citizen journalism, live-streaming 2008 Mumbai attacks from Pakistan's lens. October 2025 ratings peg it at 12% share, strong in Punjab (15%) via empathetic reporting. Programs like "G for Gharib" (poverty spotlights, 1.2 million viewers), Naya Pakistan (youth policy debates), and Samaa Leghari (Meher Bokhari's confrontational interviews) prioritize social justice, earning PEMRA nods for ethics. Ownership's PTI lean drew 2024 election bias fines, but 2025's flood coverage redeemed trust. With 10 million YouTube subs, Samaa's mobile app integrates AR graphics, appealing to 60% smartphone users, though rural signal gaps limit reach.
4. 24 News HD
Launched August 14, 2015, by City News Group from Lahore, 24 News HD—owned by Mohsin Naqvi (former Punjab CM, 80% via 24 Media Group)—pioneered HD news, slogan "Sach Ka Saath." Rooted in Naqvi's print legacy, it surged during 2018 elections with unbiased tallies. In 2025, it claims 10% share, excelling in central regions (12% in Islamabad). Standouts: "Roze Special" (daily roundups, 900k viewers), "Live with Dr. Shahbaz Gill" (economic analyses), and "Power Corridor" (Nasrullah Malik on diplomacy). Naqvi's PPP ties spark neutrality debates, but 2025's AI-verified fact-checks mitigated fake news flak. Digital push via 5 million X followers and VR election maps targets millennials, positioning 24 as PEMRA's "innovation darling."
5. Express News
Express News, under Lakson Group's Express Media Pvt Ltd (Sardar family, Karachi HQ), aired January 1, 2008, extending Daily Express's 1998 print footprint into TV. It filled a void in business news post-2008 crisis. 2025 viewership: 9% share, peaking during July budget (14%). Programs: Kal Tak (Javed Chaudhry's opinion monologues, 1 million viewers), News Beat (policy breakdowns), and Express Forum (investor panels). Ownership's neutrality (no overt politics) aids credibility, but 2024 PEMRA warnings on stock manipulation reports tested waters. With Express Tribune integration, it reaches 7 million digitally, focusing on SME stories in a 7% GDP growth economy.
6. Dawn News
Dawn News, from Dawn Media Group (Herald Publications, Karachi), launched May 25, 2007, as Pakistan's first English news channel, slogan "Raat Din Saat Din." Tied to 1941's Dawn newspaper, it embodies Quaid-e-Azam's free press vision. 2025: 8% share, dominant among elites (20% in Islamabad). Bilingual fare includes Dawn News English bulletins, Overseas Pakistanis (diaspora issues), and "Doosra Pehlu" (Meher Bokhari's Urdu debates). Ownership's independence shields from bias, but 2016 Panama Papers coverage irked establishment. Digital: 12 million site visits monthly, with podcasts on climate change resonating globally.
7. 92 News HD
92 News HD, Lahore based under Galaxy Broadcast Network (Mian brothers: Muhammad Hanif 40%, Yousaf 30%), started February 6, 2015, as Pakistan's first full-HD news, slogan "Ba Khabar, Ba Wasooq." From 92 FM radio roots, it emphasized visuals in 2016 Panama leaks. 2025 ratings: 7% share, strong in Punjab (10%). Programs: "92 Headlines" (live wires), "Tonight with Junaid Niazi" (talks), and sports specials. Family ownership avoids extremes, but 2025 deepfake bans hit election streams. YouTube's 6 million subs drive 4 billion views, innovating with drone footage.
8. BOL News
BOL News, Karachi's BOL Network (Shoaib Akhtar Shaikh, 60% via Bolistan), launched December 25, 2016, post a high profile feud with ARY. Backed by Axact's digital savvy, it targeted millennials with edutainment. 2025: 6.5% share, #1 per some agencies via 10 billion digital views. Shows: Newsroom (youth panels), Awaam (street reports), and celebrity crossovers. 2017 launch scandals (fake degrees) lingered, but 2025's TikTok virals (50 million followers) redeemed. Ownership's tech bent fuels AI personalization, though PEMRA eyes its "sensationalism."
9. Aaj News
Aaj News, from Business Recorder Group (Karachi, 2005 launch), specializes in Urdu finance, owned by financier Munir Ahmed (70%). Post 2005 liberalization, it demystified markets. 2025: 6% share, surging to 11% in trade pacts. Programs: Aaj ki Subah (morning markets), "Business Plus" (expert rundowns). Neutral stance aids trust, but 2024 crypto scam exposes drew lobbies. Digital: 4 million app users, with blockchain tools eyeing fintech boom.
10. Dunya News
Dunya News, Lahore's Punjab Group (Mian Amer Mahmood, 2008 debut), slogan Khabar Ki Dunya, fused news with lifestyle from Daily Dunya roots. 2025: 5.5% share, top three per Gallup via balanced polls. Shows: "Dunya Meher Bokhari Kay Sath" (hard hitting), Hasb-e-Haal (satire), and Insaf with Justice (R) Nasira Iqbal (legal). Ownership's PML-N whispers aside, 2025's Indus Conclave events boosted culture coverage. With 8 million social followers, it bridges TV OTT gaps.
Challenges and Controversies: Bias, Fake News, and Censorship Shadows
Pakistan's channels navigate a minefield: 2025 saw 150 PEMRA fines for disinformation, like ARY's amplified India conflict deepfakes. Biases Geo's PML-N tilt, ARY's PTI favoritism polarize, eroding 35% public trust per Reuters. Fake news surged 40% during May's "Operation Sindoor" hoax, with channels repurposing old footage, fueling Indo-Pak escalations. Censorship via informal no go lists (e.g., September WhatsApp curbs) and journalist arrests stifle probes, while ownership concentration (top 10 control 80% ads) breeds oligarchy.
Digital Transformation: From Tubes to Streams
By 2025, 70% news consumption is mobile, with YouTube (Geo's 12B views) and TikTok outpacing TV. Channels invest in apps Samaa's AR filters, BOL's AI clips amid 5G's 50 million users. OTT like Tamasha streams live debates, but bandwidth costs and 2025's data tax hike rural access. Social media amplifies (X's 25 million Pakistani users), yet algorithms boost sensationalism, per Aurora Magazine.
Societal Impact: Shaping Opinions, Fueling Divisions
News channels mold 55% of voting decisions, per Global Regional Review, amplifying PTI's 2024 resurgence via ARY but deepening urban-rural rifts. Positive: Samaa's welfare drives boosted NGO funds 20%; negative: Talk shows' toxicity spiked hate speech 25%, eroding democracy. Mobile media empowers indie voices, resisting establishment narratives.
Future Trends: Streaming Supremacy and AI Horizons
OTT revenues hit $1.41bn in 2025 (Statista), with platforms like Begin Watch snagging LaLiga rights, challenging linear TV's 20% decline. AI will personalize 40% content by 2030, per 6Wresearch, while regional languages (Sindhi OTT) diversify. Bans on Pakistani content in India signal geo blocks, but SIFC's tech push eyes 1 million AI pros.
In summation, Pakistan's top news channels are democracy's double edged sword vital yet volatile. As October 2025 unfolds with elections looming, their evolution will define whether media unites or fractures a nation at the crossroads. For real time shifts, track Medialogic dashboards.
