A tribute to Asha Bhosle in Pakistan has sparked a controversy after a TV channel aired her iconic songs. Authorities warned the broadcaster of possible action.
Rest in peace, Asha Bhosle!
The passing of legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle has not just sparked emotional tributes, it has triggered a regulatory storm in Pakistan. A tribute telecast meant to honour her iconic songs has landed a major Pakistani news channel in trouble.
The controversy began after Pakistan’s media regulator issued a show-cause notice to Geo News for airing Indian songs and visuals while reporting on the singer’s death. The move shocked many journalists and public figures.
Advertisement
According to reports, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) sent the notice on Sunday, the same day news of Asha Bhosle’s death at the age of 92 broke.
Advertisement
Pemra said the channel had aired clips of Indian films and songs while covering the obituary, which it called a “wilful defiance” of an earlier ruling that prohibits Indian content on Pakistani television.
The restriction goes back to 2018, when the Supreme Court in Pakistan reinstated a ban on airing Indian content. Pemra argued that the tribute telecast violated multiple rules under its regulatory framework.
These included Section 20(f) of the Pemra Ordinance, 2002, amended in 2023, which requires channels to follow programme codes and maintain in-house monitoring systems to ensure compliance.
The regulator also cited violations of several rules and clauses, including Rule 15(1) of the Pemra Rules 2009, Regulation 18(1)(g) of the Television Broadcast Operations Regulations 2012, and multiple clauses of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015.
In simple terms, the authority said Geo News crossed the line by airing Indian songs, even though the broadcast was part of a tribute.
The consequences could be serious. Pemra has summoned the CEO of Independent Media Corporation, which runs Geo News, on April 27.
The channel has also been asked to submit a written explanation within 14 days. Possible action may include fines, suspension, or even revocation of the licence under the existing legal provisions.
The notice triggered an immediate reaction from media professionals and political figures. Azhar Abbas, managing director of Geo News and president of the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors, publicly criticised the move.
PEMRA has issued a show-cause notice to Geo News for airing content related to the legendary subcontinent singer Asha Bhosle.
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— Azhar Abbas (@AzharAbbas3) April 13, 2026
Writing on X, he said it has always been customary to revisit and celebrate the work of iconic artists after their death.
He added that for someone of Asha Bhosle’s stature, even more songs should have been played, not fewer.
According to him, the decision to restrict such content goes against the spirit of honouring a legendary artist whose music transcended borders.
The reaction is particularly notable because Asha Bhosle’s music has long enjoyed massive popularity in Pakistan. From ghazals to film songs, her voice has received love from listeners across generations.
Advertisement
