Asha Bhosle passed away in Mumbai on April 12, 2026, at the age of 92. The entire nation and fans across the world mourned the demise of the legendary singer. And a Pakistani news channel paid a tribute to the music icon. However, the broadcast landed it in trouble. Pakistan’s media watchdog has issued a show-cause notice to a leading news channel for running “Indian content” while broadcasting the news about the death of legendary singer Asha Bhosle.
Pakistan’s news channel lands in trouble for showing Indian content in Asha Bhosle’s tribute broadcast
According to the PTI report, Pakistan has had a ban on showcasing Indian content since 2018. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a show-cause notice to GeoNews on Monday. Through the notice, the authorities have asked for an explanation why the channel aired Indian content along with the news of Asha Bhosle’s demise.
News channel’s managing director’s statement on show cause notice
As per the report, Azhar Abbas, the managing director of the news channel, posted on X, “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, we should have shared even more of her timeless and memorable songs than we did. Yet, Pakistan’s electronic media regulator, PEMRA, has chosen to restrict this.”The post further read, “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.”He concluded his post, adding, “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.”
More about the case against Pakistan’s news channel for showcasing Indian content
Reportedly, the PEMRA stated that the new channel willfully defied the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which banned airing of Indian content.With that, as per the notice, the channel has violated Rule 15(1) of the PEMRA Rules, 2009; Regulation 18 1 (g) of the PEMRA (Television Broadcast Station Operations) Regulations 2012; and Clauses 4(10), 5, 17, 20, and 24 of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015.The CEO of the channel has been summoned on April 27 and is directed to explain in writing within 14 days as to why the authorities should not initiate a legal action against the channel.
More about Asha Bhosle’s demise
Asha Bhosle passed away on April 12, 2026, at the age of 92. She was laid to rest with full state honors at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park. Several prominent personalities from film, music, and politics attended the funeral of the late legendary singer.
