The government of Pakistan is reportedly unhappy with some news channels that aired content on India’s legendary singer Asha Bhosle following her demise on April 12.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a show-cause notice to Geo News Urdu for airing an extended tribute to legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle and playing her songs during the program.
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
Geo News Managing Director Azhar Abbas shared a post criticising the PEMRA’s action, and asserting that revisiting the work of iconic artists is a standard journalistic practice when airing news about their demise.
Abbas further wrote, “Art, like knowledge, is a shared heritage of humanity and it should not be confined by borders. Asha Bhosle herself admired Pakistan’s legendary singer Noor Jahan, whom she fondly called her ‘elder sister.” She collaborated with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and brought to life the poetry of great Urdu poets like Nasir Kazmi.”
Abbas added that for a singer of Asha Bhosle’s stature, Geo News (and Pakistani media in general) should have shared even more of her timeless and memorable songs than they did.
“In times of war and conflict, art and artists should not become casualties. Intellectuals, musicians, and creators are often the very voices that stand against hatred and division, and the ones who bring people closer together”, he concluded.
Iconic singer Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 92 on April 12 at in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. She had been admitted there a day prior, following a chest infection.
