Pakistan objects to Asha Bhosle tribute but 'Dhurandhar 2' songs rule charts

A tribute to the late Asha Bhosle, who passed away on April 12, has triggered an unexpected controversy in Pakistan.

The country’s media regulator, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), issued a show-cause notice to Geo News for airing her songs during a segment honouring her legacy.

Ironic twist

Ironically, even as television channels are under scrutiny, Pakistani audiences are tuning into Indian music online in large numbers.

Songs from Dhurandhar 2, including Jaiye Sajana, are trending on Spotify Pakistan, alongside tracks like Boyfriend by Karan Aujla. While all Indian films are banned in Pakistan, they end up finding their way through illegal downloads. What's more, Dhurandhar has been slammed for portraying Pakistan in a bad light.

Despite that, the songs of the films seem to have found takers in the country.

Pak broadcaster questions PEMRA

Meanwhile, the managing director of Geo News, Azhar Abbas, took to X to debate about the show-cause notice to the channel for airing Asha Bhosle’s songs. He wrote, “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, 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.”

Also Read: Ilaiyaraaja mourns loss of his 'beloved sister' Asha Bhosle: 'Incomparable voice'

He then claimed that art is like knowledge which has a shared heritage. “..it should not be confined by borders. Asha Bhosle herself admired Pakistan’s legendary singer Noor Jahan, whom she fondly called her “elder sister".

He continued, "She collaborated with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and brought to life the poetry of great Urdu poets like Nasir Kazmi. 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.”

However, many users reacting to his post welcomed the move by PEMRA. “Excellent! No more long playlists of Indian songs on Geo or anywhere. Promote local music and artists proudly,” one user wrote. Another said, “Very good decision by Pemra. It’s a Tit for Tat, if they do not respect our sovereignty why should we budge? The Subcontinent sounds nice in theory.. but reality says otherwise. If sovereignty is not respected, there is no reason to pretend everything is normal.”

Law restricts television not internet

However, the law that bans Indian content in Pakistan stems from a 2018 ruling by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, doesn’t account for the online platforms. The ruling was made with the claim to support the local film and television industry.

While PEMRA enforces this rule across licensed broadcast platforms, including TV and radio, the online platforms and OTT content are not part of the ambit. This legal gap allows Indian music to remain widely accessible online, even as it is barred from traditional media.