- By Akansha Pandey
- Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:06 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major breach of Pakistan’s media infrastructure, the country’s leading broadcaster, Geo News, was targeted by a sophisticated cyberattack that replaced regular programming with anti-military propaganda. The intrusion occurred against the backdrop of rapidly deteriorating relations between Islamabad and Kabul, with Pakistani officials now characterising the bilateral tension as an "open war."
According to a formal statement from Geo News management, the channel’s satellite feed on PAKSAT was subjected to relentless hacking attempts over a 24-hour period. These efforts culminated in a successful breach where the broadcast screen was hijacked to display "inappropriate" and politically charged messages. Management clarified that the intrusion was an external security failure and had no connection to the channel’s internal operations or staff.
Anti-Military Slogans Broadcast Nationwide
During the breach, the channel’s website and television broadcast displayed provocative Urdu text urging the public to revolt. One message read, "Your Army is Your Enemy", while another stated, "Your army and its specific circles have led you to total destruction, Rise against it, Stand up to it." These slogans were superimposed over a graphic image of an explosion set against the Pakistani national flag.
Demands For High-Level Investigation
Viewers across several regions reported that the transmission initially cut to a "service unavailable" notice before the rogue feed appeared. The Geo News leadership has officially called upon state authorities and telecommunication regulators to launch an immediate investigation, identify the perpetrators and bolster the cybersecurity of the nation’s satellite communications to prevent further disruptions during this period of heightened military conflict.