Pakistan’s media landscape has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, with television news channels playing a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and disseminating information. In a country where literacy rates vary significantly across regions, broadcast news remains the primary source of information for millions of citizens. These channels not only report on domestic politics and social issues but also connect Pakistan to global events.
The Pakistani news media operates within a complex regulatory environment overseen by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). Despite challenges, the industry has flourished, offering viewers diverse perspectives across Urdu, English, and regional language broadcasts. This article explores the top 10 news channels in Pakistan based on viewership ratings, editorial credibility, and geographic reach.
The leading news networks that shape Pakistan’s media landscape
How Pakistani News Channels Are Rated
In Pakistan, television ratings are primarily measured by Gallup Pakistan and MediaLogic Pakistan, which use people meters to track viewership patterns across urban and rural households. These ratings, known as Television Rating Points (TRPs), help determine advertising rates and provide insights into audience preferences.
Our ranking considers multiple factors beyond raw viewership numbers:
It’s important to note that ratings can fluctuate based on current events, political developments, and changes in viewer preferences. The rankings presented here reflect the overall standing of these channels as of 2024, based on the most recent available data.
Pakistani News Channels at a Glance
| Channel Name | Language | Headquarters | Flagship Program | Launch Year |
| Geo News | Urdu | Karachi | Capital Talk | 2002 |
| ARY News | Urdu/English | Karachi | Off The Record | 2004 |
| PTV News | Urdu | Islamabad | News Night | 1964/2007 |
| Samaa TV | Urdu | Karachi | Nadeem Malik Live | 2007 |
| Dunya News | Urdu | Lahore | Dunya Kamran Khan Kay Sath | 2008 |
| Express News | Urdu | Lahore | Kal Tak | 2008 |
| 92 News | Urdu | Lahore | 92 at 8 | 2015 |
| Dawn News | English/Urdu | Karachi | News Wise | 2007 |
| Bol News | Urdu | Karachi | Tabdeeli | 2016 |
| Aaj News | Urdu | Karachi | Spotlight | 2005 |
1. Geo News: Pakistan’s Leading News Network
Launched in 2002 by the Jang Group of Newspapers, Geo News has consistently maintained its position as Pakistan’s most-watched news channel. With its headquarters in Karachi and bureaus across major cities, Geo News offers comprehensive coverage of national and international events.
Key Information
Ownership & Management
Geo News is owned by the Jang Group, Pakistan’s largest media conglomerate founded by Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman. The group also publishes the country’s leading Urdu newspaper, Jang, and the English-language daily The News International.
Notable Programs
- Capital Talk with Hamid Mir
- Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath
- Report Card
- Geo Pakistan (morning show)
Star Journalists
- Hamid Mir – One of Pakistan’s most recognized journalists
- Shahzeb Khanzada – Known for incisive political analysis
- Saleem Safi – Expert on Afghanistan and regional politics
- Maria Memon – Leading female anchor
“Har Pal Geo” (Live Every Moment) – The channel’s slogan reflects its commitment to round-the-clock news coverage.
Unique Selling Points
Geo News is known for its extensive network of reporters, breaking news coverage, and high-profile exclusive interviews. The channel has pioneered innovative formats for political talk shows and investigative reporting in Pakistan.
Geo News faced a 15-day suspension in 2014 after criticizing military establishments, highlighting the complex relationship between media and state institutions in Pakistan.
2. ARY News: The Voice of the People
Established in 2004, ARY News has grown to become one of Pakistan’s most influential news channels. Founded by Abdul Razzak Yaqoob (ARY), the channel broadcasts in both Urdu and English, catering to diverse audience segments.
Key Information
Ownership & Management
ARY News is part of the ARY Digital Network, owned by the ARY Group. The network has expanded internationally with significant viewership in the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
Notable Programs
- Off The Record with Kashif Abbasi
- Power Play
- The Reporters
- Sawal Yeh Hai
Star Journalists
- Kashif Abbasi – Known for hard-hitting political interviews
- Arshad Sharif – Investigative journalist (deceased)
- Sabir Shakir – Political analyst
- Iqrarul Hassan – Host of “Sar-e-Aam” investigative program
“Life Connected” – ARY News’ slogan emphasizes its role in connecting viewers to events that impact their lives.
Unique Selling Points
ARY News has built its reputation on bold reporting and investigative journalism. The channel’s “Sar-e-Aam” program, which conducts sting operations to expose corruption and social issues, has been particularly influential in driving public discourse and policy changes.
3. PTV News: The State Broadcaster
Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) is the country’s state-owned broadcaster, with PTV News serving as its dedicated news channel since 2007. While the parent corporation was established in 1964, PTV News as a 24-hour channel is a more recent development.
Key Information
Ownership & Management
PTV News is directly controlled by the Government of Pakistan through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This gives the channel unparalleled access to official government sources and events.
Notable Programs
- News Night
- Sochta Pakistan
- Newsroom
- Diplomatic Enclave
Star Journalists
- Ishrat Fatima – Senior anchor
- Syed Talat Hussain – Former host (now independent)
- Tanzeela Mazhar – News presenter
- Khalid Azeem – Political analyst
“Truth with Responsibility” – PTV News’ slogan reflects its mandate as a state broadcaster to present news with national interest in mind.
Unique Selling Points
As the state broadcaster, PTV News offers unmatched coverage of government functions, parliamentary proceedings, and official state visits. The channel broadcasts in multiple languages including Urdu, English, and various regional languages, serving as an important platform for government communications to citizens.
PTV News has the widest terrestrial reach of any Pakistani news channel, making it accessible even in remote areas where cable or satellite television is unavailable.
4. Samaa TV: Innovation in News Broadcasting
Launched in 2007 by Jaag Broadcasting Systems, Samaa TV quickly established itself as an innovative force in Pakistan’s media landscape. The channel is known for its modern approach to news presentation and strong digital integration.
Key Information
Ownership & Management
Samaa TV is owned by Jaag Broadcasting Systems and has studios in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The network has invested heavily in digital infrastructure and multi-platform content delivery.
Notable Programs
- Nadeem Malik Live
- Agenda 360
- Naya Din (morning show)
- Awaz
Star Journalists
- Nadeem Malik – Prime time anchor known for balanced reporting
- Paras Jahanzeb – News presenter and analyst
- Kiran Naz – News anchor and program host
- Amber Shamsi – Former host of “Sawal”
“Samaa hai toh, khabar hai” (If it’s Samaa, it’s news) – The channel’s tagline emphasizes its focus on substantive reporting over sensationalism.
Unique Selling Points
Samaa TV has differentiated itself through technical innovation and a strong digital presence. The channel was among the first in Pakistan to launch HD broadcasting and has developed a robust online ecosystem including a popular website, mobile app, and active social media channels.
The network’s slogan “Sansani Nahi, Sirf Khabren” (Not sensation, only news) reflects its editorial philosophy of prioritizing factual reporting over sensationalism.
5. Dunya News: Comprehensive Coverage
Established in 2008, Dunya News has grown to become one of Pakistan’s most respected news channels. Based in Lahore with offices across Pakistan and international bureaus, the channel offers comprehensive coverage of national and international affairs.
Key Information
Ownership & Management
Dunya News is owned by the Dunya Media Group, which also publishes the Urdu newspaper “Dunya.” The network has expanded to include entertainment channels and digital platforms.
Notable Programs
- Dunya Kamran Khan Kay Sath
- On The Front with Kamran Shahid
- Nukta-e-Nazar
- Dunya Meher Abbasi Kay Sath
Star Journalists
- Kamran Khan – Veteran journalist known for breaking stories
- Kamran Shahid – Political talk show host
- Meher Abbasi – Prime time anchor
- Saeed Qazi – Senior analyst
“Dunya ko Dunya ki khabar” (World news to the world) – The channel’s slogan emphasizes its global perspective.
Unique Selling Points
Dunya News has built its reputation on balanced reporting and in-depth analysis. The channel’s economic coverage is particularly strong, with dedicated programs focusing on business and financial news. Dunya News also produces high-quality documentaries on social issues and historical events.
6. Express News: Comprehensive Reporting
Launched in 2008 by the Lakson Group, Express News quickly established itself as a major player in Pakistan’s media landscape. The channel is affiliated with the Express Media Group, which also publishes the Express Tribune newspaper.
Key Information
Ownership & Management
Express News is owned by the Lakson Group, a major business conglomerate in Pakistan with interests in media, consumer goods, and financial services. The Express Media Group includes English and Urdu newspapers and digital platforms.
Notable Programs
- Kal Tak with Javed Chaudhry
- To The Point
- Express Experts
- G for Gharidah
Star Journalists
- Javed Chaudhry – Popular columnist and talk show host
- Gharidah Farooqi – Political analyst
- Imran Khan – News anchor (not to be confused with the politician)
- Wajahat S. Khan – Investigative reporter
“Har Khabar Par Nazar” (Eye on every news) – Express News’ slogan highlights its comprehensive coverage approach.
Unique Selling Points
Express News is known for its balanced editorial approach and strong regional coverage. The channel maintains extensive bureaus across Pakistan, allowing for detailed reporting on local issues that national channels sometimes overlook. Express News also operates an English-language sister channel, Express 24/7 (now Tribune 24/7).
7. 92 News: The Rising Star
Despite being a relatively newer entrant to Pakistan’s news media landscape, 92 News HD (launched in 2015) has quickly gained popularity for its high-definition broadcasts and dynamic presentation style.
Key Information
Ownership & Management
92 News is owned by the 92 News Group, which has invested heavily in state-of-the-art broadcasting technology. The channel was among the first in Pakistan to broadcast exclusively in high definition.
Notable Programs
- 92 at 8
- Zair-e-Behas
- Breaking Views with Malick
- Hum Log
Star Journalists
- Shazia Zeeshan – Prime time anchor
- Rauf Klasra – Investigative journalist
- Ovais Mangalwala – Talk show host
- Nazir Leghari – Senior analyst
“Sirf Sach” (Only Truth) – 92 News’ slogan emphasizes its commitment to factual reporting.
Unique Selling Points
92 News has differentiated itself through technical excellence and visual presentation. The channel’s HD broadcasts and modern graphics have attracted younger viewers. 92 News has also developed a strong digital presence with active social media channels and a user-friendly mobile app.
92 News was the first Pakistani news channel to broadcast exclusively in HD format, setting a new technical standard for the industry.
8. Dawn News: The Prestige Network
Dawn News, launched in 2007, is the television arm of Pakistan’s oldest and most respected English-language newspaper, Dawn. Initially broadcasting exclusively in English, the channel later shifted to primarily Urdu content while maintaining its reputation for quality journalism.
Key Information
Ownership & Management
Dawn News is owned by the Dawn Media Group, founded by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. This historical legacy gives the channel significant prestige in Pakistan’s media landscape.
Notable Programs
- News Wise
- Zara Hat Kay
- Dusra Rukh
- In Focus
Star Journalists
- Mubashir Zaidi – Senior journalist and talk show host
- Zarrar Khuhro – Analyst and program host
- Shahzad Iqbal – News anchor
- Amber Rahim Shamsi – Former host (now independent)
“The Truth Prevails” – Dawn News’ slogan reflects its commitment to factual, unbiased reporting.
Unique Selling Points
Dawn News is distinguished by its measured tone and emphasis on factual reporting over sensationalism. The channel is known for its in-depth analysis of complex political and social issues, often featuring perspectives that might be overlooked by other networks. Dawn News maintains high editorial standards inherited from its print legacy.
9. Bol News: The Disruptive Force
Launched in 2016 after a delayed and controversial start, Bol News quickly made an impact on Pakistan’s media landscape with its high production values and aggressive recruitment of top talent from competing channels.
Key Information
Ownership & Management
Bol News is owned by Axact, a software company that faced significant legal challenges before and during the channel’s launch. Despite these controversies, Bol has established itself as a major player in Pakistani news media.
Notable Programs
- Tabdeeli
- Aisay Nahi Chalay Ga
- Ab Pata Chala
- Tajzia
Star Journalists
- Sami Ibrahim – Political analyst
- Iftikhar Ahmad – Veteran journalist
- Faysal Aziz Khan – News director
- Shehzad Iqbal – Talk show host
“Pakistan Zindabad” (Long Live Pakistan) – Bol News’ slogan emphasizes its nationalist editorial stance.
Unique Selling Points
Bol News has distinguished itself through innovative programming formats and high production values. The channel invested heavily in state-of-the-art studios and equipment, creating visually impressive broadcasts. Bol News is also known for its provocative talk shows that often take strong positions on political issues.
Bol News has faced multiple regulatory challenges from PEMRA, including temporary suspensions for violating broadcasting codes.
10. Aaj News: The Pioneer
Launched in 2005 by the Business Recorder Group, Aaj News was among the first private news channels in Pakistan. While it has faced increased competition in recent years, Aaj News maintains a loyal viewership base and continues to influence public discourse.
Key Information
Ownership & Management
Aaj News is owned by the Business Recorder Group, which publishes Pakistan’s premier financial daily, Business Recorder. This connection gives the channel particular strength in business and economic reporting.
Notable Programs
- Spotlight
- Faisla Aap Ka
- Aaj Kamran Khan Kay Saath (former program)
- Aaj Rana Mubashir Kay Saath
Star Journalists
- Rana Mubashir – Political analyst
- Asma Shirazi – Former host (now with other networks)
- Syed Talat Hussain – Former host (now independent)
- Wajahat Saeed Khan – Investigative journalist
“Khabar Aaj Ki, Bharosa Aap Ka” (Today’s news, your trust) – Aaj News’ slogan emphasizes reliability and timeliness.
Unique Selling Points
Aaj News has built its reputation on balanced reporting and strong business coverage. The channel’s connection to Business Recorder gives it particular expertise in economic and financial news. Aaj News was also a pioneer in entertainment programming within news channels, launching shows like “The 4 Man Show” that later influenced other networks.
Broadcast Languages: Reaching Diverse Audiences
Pakistan’s linguistic diversity is reflected in its news media landscape. While Urdu dominates as the primary broadcast language, channels employ various strategies to reach different audience segments.
- Primary language for most channels
- Largest potential audience reach
- Used for flagship news bulletins
- Dominant in prime time slots
- Standard for political talk shows
Urdu Broadcasts
- Dawn News (partially)
- PTV World (dedicated channel)
- ARY News (select programs)
- Targets urban, educated viewers
- Important for international perception
English Broadcasts
- Sindhi (KTN News)
- Pashto (Khyber News)
- Punjabi (segments on various channels)
- Balochi (limited programming)
- Critical for local engagement
Regional Languages
The language of broadcast significantly impacts a channel’s audience demographics and advertising revenue. English-language broadcasts typically attract premium advertisers targeting higher-income viewers, while regional language programming serves important cultural and informational needs in specific provinces.
Media Controversies and Landmark Moments
Pakistan’s news channels have experienced significant regulatory challenges and landmark moments that have shaped the industry’s development. These events highlight the complex relationship between media, state institutions, and political forces.
Geo News Suspension (2014)
Geo News faced a 15-day suspension and hefty fine from PEMRA after allegations that it aired defamatory content against intelligence agencies following an assassination attempt on journalist Hamid Mir. This case highlighted tensions between media freedom and national security concerns.
ARY News License Cancellation (2023)
PEMRA temporarily suspended ARY News’ license multiple times over alleged violations of the regulatory code. The channel has faced accusations of broadcasting content deemed harmful to national interests, while its supporters argue these actions represent political censorship.
Dawn Leaks Controversy (2016)
Dawn newspaper (affiliated with Dawn News) published a story about a high-level security meeting that created significant tensions between civilian and military leadership. The resulting “Dawn Leaks” controversy led to ministerial resignations and highlighted the sensitive nature of security reporting in Pakistan.
Bol News Launch Delays (2015-2016)
Bol News faced extraordinary challenges before its launch when its parent company Axact was investigated for allegedly selling fake degrees. The channel’s launch was delayed for over a year, and it has since faced multiple regulatory challenges.
These controversies illustrate the challenging environment in which Pakistani news channels operate. Balancing journalistic freedom with regulatory compliance remains an ongoing challenge for media organizations.
The Digital Transformation of Pakistani News
Pakistan’s news channels are rapidly adapting to changing media consumption habits, with significant investments in digital platforms and social media presence. This digital transformation is reshaping how news is produced, distributed, and consumed.
Key Digital Trends
YouTube Dominance
Most major news channels maintain active YouTube channels with millions of subscribers. Geo News leads with over 10 million subscribers, followed closely by ARY News and Samaa TV. These platforms allow for global reach and additional revenue streams.
Mobile Apps
News apps have become essential tools for breaking news alerts and on-demand content. ARY News, Geo News, and Samaa TV have particularly successful mobile applications with millions of downloads and active users across iOS and Android platforms.
Social Media Integration
Pakistani news channels have embraced social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for news distribution and audience engagement. These platforms allow for rapid dissemination of breaking news and direct interaction with viewers.
Digital Viewership Statistics
The shift to digital platforms has created new opportunities for Pakistani news channels to reach younger audiences and expatriate communities worldwide. However, it has also intensified competition and created challenges related to monetization and combating misinformation.
Conclusion: The Evolving Media Landscape
Pakistan’s top 10 news channels represent a vibrant and competitive media ecosystem that continues to evolve in response to technological changes, audience preferences, and regulatory challenges. From state-owned broadcasters to innovative private networks, these channels play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and keeping citizens informed.
While traditional television broadcasting remains important, the future clearly lies in multi-platform content delivery. The most successful channels will be those that can maintain editorial credibility while adapting to changing consumption habits and leveraging digital opportunities.
For viewers seeking reliable information about Pakistan’s complex political, social, and economic landscape, these top 10 news channels offer diverse perspectives and comprehensive coverage. Understanding their unique strengths, editorial positions, and historical contexts helps audiences navigate the information ecosystem more effectively.
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