Top 10 News Channels in Pakistan 2025 Current Rating List

Top 10 News Channels in Pakistan 2025: Complete Guide to Leading Media Networks

The Pakistani media landscape has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, with numerous television news channels competing for viewership and credibility. In an era where information travels at lightning speed and audiences demand real-time updates, these news channels play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and keeping citizens informed about national and international affairs.

Overview of Pakistan’s News Media Industry

Pakistan’s electronic media industry has witnessed remarkable growth since the liberalization of airwaves in the early 2000s. Today, the country boasts dozens of news channels, each vying for audience attention through breaking news coverage, exclusive interviews, investigative journalism, and comprehensive analysis of current events. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) regulates these channels, ensuring compliance with broadcasting standards and ethical journalism practices.

Top 10 News Channels in Pakistan – 2025 Rankings

1. Geo News – Pakistan’s Premier News Network

Launch Date: August 14, 2002
Owner: Jang Group of Newspapers
Headquarters: Karachi
Language: Urdu and English

Geo News continues to dominate Pakistan’s news landscape as the country’s most-watched television news channel. With its extensive network of correspondents across Pakistan and international bureaus, Geo News provides comprehensive coverage of political developments, economic affairs, sports, entertainment, and breaking news. The channel’s flagship programs include “Geo Pakistan,” “Capital Talk,” and “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath.”

The channel’s success stems from its commitment to accurate reporting, experienced anchors like Hamid Mir, Shahzeb Khanzada, and Najam Sethi, and its ability to break major stories. Geo News has consistently maintained high Television Rating Points (TRP) and enjoys significant social media engagement across platforms.

2. ARY News – Dynamic Political Coverage

Launch Date: September 26, 2004
Owner: ARY Group
Headquarters: Karachi
Language: Urdu and English

ARY News has established itself as Pakistan’s second-largest news network, known for its bold political coverage and exclusive interviews with key political figures. The channel’s programming includes popular shows like “11th Hour,” “Off The Record,” and “The Reporters.” ARY News excels in providing live coverage of political events, parliamentary sessions, and election coverage.

The channel’s strength lies in its investigative journalism capabilities and its willingness to tackle controversial topics. With experienced anchors such as Waseem Badami, Arshad Sharif, and Kashif Abbasi, ARY News has built a reputation for hard-hitting journalism and comprehensive political analysis.

3. Samaa TV – Voice of the People

Launch Date: 2007
Owner: Jaag Broadcasting System (PVT) LTD
Headquarters: Karachi
Slogan: “Awam ki Awaaz” (Voice of the People)

Samaa TV has carved out a significant niche in Pakistan’s news media by focusing on public interest stories and social issues. The channel’s programming emphasizes investigative journalism, consumer rights, and stories that directly impact ordinary citizens. Popular shows include “Samaa Ka Insaaf,” “Naya Pakistan,” and “Samaa Headlines.”

The channel’s unique approach to journalism involves extensive field reporting and giving voice to marginalized communities. Samaa TV’s commitment to public service journalism has earned it a loyal viewership, particularly among audiences seeking accountability from public institutions.

4. 24 News HD – High-Definition News Broadcasting

Launch Date: August 14, 2015
Owner: Mohsin Naqvi (City News Group)
Headquarters: Lahore
Language: Urdu

24 News HD has rapidly emerged as one of Pakistan’s leading news channels, offering high-definition broadcasting quality and comprehensive news coverage. The channel’s programming includes popular talk shows, current affairs programs, and extensive coverage of national and international events. Key programs include “Roze Special,” “Rubaroo,” and “Live with Nasrullah Malik.”

The channel’s success can be attributed to its modern broadcasting infrastructure, experienced journalism team, and focus on providing balanced coverage of political and social issues. 24 News HD has particularly excelled in election coverage and live reporting from major events.

5. Express News – Business and Current Affairs Focus

Launch Date: January 1, 2008
Owner: Lakson Group (Express Media Group)
Headquarters: Karachi
Language: Urdu

Express News has positioned itself as a reliable source for business news, economic analysis, and current affairs. The channel’s programming includes comprehensive coverage of stock markets, business developments, and economic policy analysis. Popular shows include “Kal Tak,” “Khabar Haqeeqat,” and “Express News Morning Show.”

The channel’s strength lies in its business journalism capabilities and its ability to explain complex economic issues in accessible language. Express News has built a strong reputation among business communities and professionals seeking reliable economic information.

6. Dawn News – English Language Excellence

Launch Date: May 25, 2007
Owner: Pakistan Herald Publications (Dawn Group)
Headquarters: Karachi
Language: English and Urdu
Slogan: “Raat Din Saat Din” (Day and Night, Seven Days)

Dawn News stands out as Pakistan’s premier English-language news channel, catering to educated urban audiences and international viewers. The channel’s programming includes in-depth analysis, documentary-style reporting, and comprehensive coverage of international affairs. Key programs include “Dawn News Tonight,” “News Eye,” and “Dawn This Week.”

The channel’s association with the Dawn newspaper, Pakistan’s oldest English-language daily, lends it credibility and journalistic excellence. Dawn News excels in providing nuanced analysis of complex issues and maintaining high editorial standards.

7. 92 News HD – Pakistan’s First HD News Channel

Launch Date: February 6, 2015
Owner: 92 Group
Headquarters: Lahore
Language: Urdu
Slogan: “Ba Khabar, Ba Wasooq” (Informed and Reliable)

92 News HD holds the distinction of being Pakistan’s first high-definition news channel, offering superior picture quality and modern broadcasting technology. The channel provides comprehensive coverage of national and international news, with particular strength in sports journalism and entertainment coverage.

The channel’s programming includes popular shows, live sports coverage, and extensive election reporting. 92 News HD has expanded its reach through digital platforms and international broadcasting, reaching Pakistani diaspora communities worldwide.

8. BOL News – Youth-Oriented News Programming

Launch Date: December 25, 2016
Owner: Shoaib Ahmed Shaikh (BOL Network)
Headquarters: Karachi
Language: Urdu

BOL News has targeted younger audiences with its dynamic presentation style and focus on social media engagement. Despite initial regulatory challenges, the channel has established itself as a significant player in Pakistan’s news media landscape. The channel’s programming includes talk shows, current affairs programs, and entertainment-focused news segments.

BOL News has particularly excelled in digital content creation and social media presence, adapting to changing viewer preferences and consumption patterns. The channel’s approach to news presentation appeals to millennial and Generation Z audiences.

9. Aaj News – Business and Economy Specialist

Launch Date: 2005
Owner: Business Recorder Group
Headquarters: Karachi
Language: Urdu

Aaj News has developed expertise in business journalism and economic reporting, serving as a trusted source for financial news and market analysis. The channel’s programming includes comprehensive coverage of stock markets, economic policy, and business developments. Key shows focus on economic analysis and expert commentary on financial matters.

The channel’s strength lies in its specialized knowledge of economic affairs and its ability to provide context for complex financial developments. Aaj News has built a dedicated following among business professionals and investors.

10. Dunya News – Entertainment and Lifestyle Integration

Launch Date: December 1, 2008
Owner: Mian Amer Mehmood
Headquarters: Lahore
Language: Urdu
Slogan: “Khabar Ki Dunya” (World of News)

Dunya News has successfully integrated entertainment content with news programming, creating a unique viewing experience that appeals to diverse audiences. The channel’s programming includes celebrity interviews, lifestyle segments, and comprehensive news coverage. Popular shows include entertainment-focused news programs and lifestyle magazines.

The channel’s approach to infotainment has proven successful in attracting viewers who prefer lighter news content mixed with entertainment value. Dunya News has expanded its digital presence and social media engagement significantly.

Factors Determining News Channel Rankings

Viewership and Television Rating Points (TRP)

Television Rating Points remain the primary metric for measuring news channel success in Pakistan. These ratings reflect audience preferences and viewing habits, directly impacting advertising revenue and market positioning.

Digital Presence and Social Media Engagement

Modern news channels increasingly rely on digital platforms to reach audiences. Social media engagement, YouTube subscribers, and website traffic have become crucial metrics for evaluating channel performance.

Journalistic Credibility and Accuracy

Credibility remains paramount in news broadcasting. Channels that maintain high editorial standards and accurate reporting tend to build stronger, more loyal audiences over time.

Breaking News Coverage

The ability to break major stories and provide comprehensive coverage of significant events distinguishes leading news channels from their competitors.

Anchor Popularity and Program Quality

Experienced anchors and high-quality programming significantly impact channel popularity and viewer loyalty.

Impact of Digital Transformation on Pakistani News Media

The rise of digital media has fundamentally changed how Pakistani news channels operate and compete. Social media platforms, mobile applications, and online streaming have created new opportunities for audience engagement while challenging traditional broadcasting models.

Leading news channels have adapted by developing comprehensive digital strategies, including:

• Mobile applications for real-time news updates
• Social media presence across multiple platforms
• Live streaming capabilities for broader reach
• Interactive content and audience engagement tools
• Podcasts and digital-first programming

Future Trends in Pakistani News Broadcasting

The Pakistani news media industry continues evolving, with several trends shaping its future:

Increased Focus on Fact-Checking

Growing awareness of misinformation has led to increased emphasis on fact-checking and verification processes across leading news channels.

Expansion of Digital Platforms

News channels are investing heavily in digital infrastructure and online content creation to reach younger audiences and Pakistani diaspora communities.

Specialized Programming

Channels are developing specialized programs focusing on specific topics such as technology, health, environment, and education to differentiate themselves from competitors.

International Expansion

Several Pakistani news channels are expanding their international presence through satellite broadcasting and digital platforms to serve global Pakistani communities.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s news media landscape remains dynamic and competitive, with the top 10 channels listed above representing the country’s most influential and widely-watched news networks. These channels play a crucial role in informing Pakistani citizens about national and international developments while contributing to democratic discourse and public accountability.

The ranking of these channels reflects various factors including viewership data, digital engagement, journalistic quality, and overall impact on public opinion. As the media landscape continues evolving with technological advancement and changing audience preferences, these channels must adapt to maintain their relevance and market position.

For viewers seeking reliable news coverage, these top 10 channels offer diverse perspectives and comprehensive coverage of current events, ensuring that Pakistani audiences have access to quality journalism and informed analysis of the issues that matter most to their daily lives.