Veteran singer Asha Bhosle died on Sunday at the age of 92, sending her fans, not just in India, but across the globe into mourning. However, amid this, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has reportedly issued a notice to the Pakistani news channels over coverage of her death.
PEMRA issues notice to news channels
Managing Director of the Pakistani news channel, Geo News, Azhar Abbas, took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the matter. Unhappy by the notice, 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.”
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
He further added that art is a shared heritage of humanity, and it should not be confined by borders. Abbas added, ” 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.”
“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,” Abbas concluded.
Pakistani journalist Rauf Klasra reacted to the tweet and questioned how PEMRA could issue a notice for showing content about the veteran singer. He wrote, “She has entertained many generations of the subcontinent with her melodious voice. She deserves respect (sic).” Check out the tweet below…
Many netizens reacted strongly to the move, expressing their disappointment with what the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has done.
About Asha Bhosle`s death
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle died on Sunday afternoon at the age of 92. The doctors at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where she died, confirmed that the singer passed away due to multiple organ failure. Her last rites were performed at Shivaji Park in Dadar, where she was cremated with full tate honours.
