Tribute sparks row: Pakistan regulator pulls up channel over Asha Bhosle coverage
A tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle has triggered a regulatory controversy in Pakistan, with the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority issuing a show-cause notice to Geo News.
The channel has been questioned for airing Indian songs and film visuals while reporting on Bhosle’s death, despite a ban on Indian content in Pakistan since 2018.
‘Wilful defiance’, says regulator
PEMRA termed the broadcast a “wilful defiance” of a Supreme Court ruling prohibiting Indian content.
The notice cites violations under multiple provisions, including the PEMRA Rules (2009), Television Broadcast Regulations (2012), and the Electronic Media Code of Conduct (2015). The channel’s parent company has been asked to respond within 14 days, with its CEO summoned on April 27.
The regulator warned that penalties could range from fines to suspension—or even revocation—of the channel’s licence.
Channel defends editorial choice
Geo News Managing Director Azhar Abbas defended the decision, arguing that showcasing an artist’s work is essential to telling their story.
“It has always been customary to revisit and celebrate the work of iconic artists,” he said, adding that Bhosle’s music deserved even broader coverage.
Calling art a “shared heritage of humanity,” Abbas stressed that it should not be restricted by national boundaries.
PEMRA has issued a show-cause notice to Geo News for airing content related to the legendary subcontinent singer Asha Bhosle.
— Azhar Abbas (@AzharAbbas3) April 13, 2026
It has always been customary to revisit and celebrate the work of iconic artists when reporting on them. In fact, for an artist of Asha Bhosle’s stature,… pic.twitter.com/AuhFPyGZCL
Cultural ties highlighted
Abbas also pointed to Bhosle’s deep artistic connections with Pakistan, noting her admiration for Noor Jahan and collaborations with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
He highlighted her work with Urdu poetry, including verses by Nasir Kazmi, underscoring the shared cultural space between the two countries.
The move has also drawn criticism from political quarters. Sherry Rehman questioned PEMRA’s approach, urging the regulator not to “police cultural transitions.”
Final farewell in Mumbai
Asha Bhosle passed away on April 12 at the age of 92 due to multi-organ failure. She was cremated with full state honours at Shivaji Park Crematorium.
Her last rites were performed by her son Anand Bhosle, with several prominent figures in attendance, including Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Vivek Oberoi, Padmini Kolhapure, and Jackie Shroff.
With a career spanning over eight decades, Asha Bhosle’s music transcended borders, genres, and generations—making the current controversy a reminder of how deeply art and politics can intersect.
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