Tribute / Asha Bhosle Tribute Sparks Media Row in Pakistan
·3 hours ago·2 min read
Key Points
Pakistan’s Geo News faces PEMRA’s show-cause notice for airing Indian songs during Asha Bhosle’s death coverage, sparking debate over art, culture, and cross-border bans.
New Delhi, Apr 14: Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle’s passing at the age of 92 has not only left a void in the world of music. But it sparked a media controversy across the border in Pakistan. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a show-cause notice to Geo News for broadcasting Indian songs and film clips while reporting on Bhosle’s death, citing violations of the country’s ban on Indian content imposed in 2018.
PEMRA described the broadcast as a “wilful defiance” of the Supreme Court ruling that prohibits airing Indian material. The regulator highlighted breaches of multiple clauses under the PEMRA Rules, 2009, and the Electronic Media Code of Conduct, 2015, warning of possible penalties including fines, suspension, or even revocation of Geo News’ license. The channel’s CEO has been summoned to appear on April 27, with a written explanation required within 14 days.
Defending the editorial decision, Geo News Managing Director Azhar Abbas emphasized that revisiting an artist’s work is customary when reporting on their life. He noted that Asha Bhosle’s legacy transcends borders, pointing to her admiration for Pakistan’s legendary singer Noor Jahan, collaborations with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and appreciation of Urdu poetry. “Art, like knowledge, is a shared heritage of humanity, and borders should not confine it,” Abbas wrote on X.
Also Read: Farewell Asha Bhosle: Maharashtra Government Announces Memorial for Bollywood’s Melody Queen
The move has drawn criticism from political figures, including Senator Sherry Rehman of the Pakistan People’s Party, who urged PEMRA not to police cultural expressions. Rehman stressed that art and artists should not become casualties of political conflict, highlighting their role in bridging divides and opposing hatred.
Meanwhile, in India, Asha Bhosle was cremated with full state honours at Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai. Her son Anand Bhosle performed the last rites, with prominent actors including Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Jackie Shroff, and Padmini Kolhapure in attendance. Born into the illustrious Mangeshkar family, Bhosle’s career spanned over seven decades, with timeless hits such as Piya Tu Ab To Aaja, Dum Maro Dum, and Chura Liya Hai Tumne. She was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2000) and the Padma Vibhushan (2008).
Her passing has reignited conversations about the power of music to unite people, even as political boundaries attempt to divide them.
PEMRA described the broadcast as a “wilful defiance” of the Supreme Court ruling that prohibits airing Indian material. The regulator highlighted breaches of multiple clauses under the PEMRA Rules, 2009, and the Electronic Media Code of Conduct, 2015, warning of possible penalties including fines, suspension, or even revocation of Geo News’ license. The channel’s CEO has been summoned to appear on April 27, with a written explanation required within 14 days.
Defending the editorial decision, Geo News Managing Director Azhar Abbas emphasized that revisiting an artist’s work is customary when reporting on their life. He noted that Asha Bhosle’s legacy transcends borders, pointing to her admiration for Pakistan’s legendary singer Noor Jahan, collaborations with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and appreciation of Urdu poetry. “Art, like knowledge, is a shared heritage of humanity, and borders should not confine it,” Abbas wrote on X.
Also Read: Farewell Asha Bhosle: Maharashtra Government Announces Memorial for Bollywood’s Melody Queen
The move has drawn criticism from political figures, including Senator Sherry Rehman of the Pakistan People’s Party, who urged PEMRA not to police cultural expressions. Rehman stressed that art and artists should not become casualties of political conflict, highlighting their role in bridging divides and opposing hatred.
Meanwhile, in India, Asha Bhosle was cremated with full state honours at Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai. Her son Anand Bhosle performed the last rites, with prominent actors including Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Jackie Shroff, and Padmini Kolhapure in attendance. Born into the illustrious Mangeshkar family, Bhosle’s career spanned over seven decades, with timeless hits such as Piya Tu Ab To Aaja, Dum Maro Dum, and Chura Liya Hai Tumne. She was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2000) and the Padma Vibhushan (2008).
Her passing has reignited conversations about the power of music to unite people, even as political boundaries attempt to divide them.
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