Pakistan television channel pulled up for airing Asha Bhosle tribute in ‘wilful defiance of Supreme Court judgment’

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‘Art is a shared heritage of humanity’

“Yet, PEMRA has chosen to restrict this. 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 pointed out.

The journalist concluded his post by mentioning that in times of war and conflict, “art and artistes should not become casualties.” He added, “Intellectuals, musicians, and creators are often the very voices that stand against hatred and division, and the ones who bring people closer together.”

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What PEMRA said in its show-cause notice

Slamming Geo News for using Indian songs and visuals from Indian films while reporting on Asha Bhosle’s death, PEMRA reportedly called this a “wilful defiance [of] the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan… wherein airing of Indian content was prohibited.”

For the unversed, the Pakistan Supreme Court had reintroduced a ban on Indian films and television shows being broadcast on the country’s local channels in 2018. Although PEMRA imposed a ban on the airing of Indian content on local television and FM radio channels in 2016, the Lahore High Court lifted it in 2017. Subsequently, the Supreme Court reimposed the ban the following year.

What next for Geo News?

According to Hindustan Times, PEMRA has summoned Geo News’ CEO, Mir Ibrahim Rehman and demanded a written explanation from the channel within 14 days as to why legal action should not be initiated against it.

However, PEMRA’s actions have divided the internet, with some supporting them and others opposing them. Lauding the move, one netizen pointed out, “Since India blacklisted our media and stars, Geo’s obsession is baffling. Is profit more important than national pride? Azhar Abbas needs to tell his Indian counterparts that ‘art has no borders.’ Shame on Geo.”

However, many others slammed the regulatory authority. One person noted, “Art and culture have always crossed borders when politics couldn’t. Legendary artistes like Asha Bhosle belong to the entire subcontinent, not just one side. Let creativity stay above conflict.”

About Asha Bhosle

One of the greatest Indian playback singers of all time, Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai on Sunday, April 12, due to multi-organ failure. She was admitted to the hospital on Saturday owing to extreme exhaustion and a chest infection. The younger sister of Bharat Ratna awardee Lata Mangeshkar, Asha recorded over 12,000 songs across various languages. She holds the Guinness World Record as the most recorded artiste in music history.