Pakistan Bans Tribute To Late Singer Asha Bhosle On Television Network Causing Debate

There’s a long-held belief that art transcends borders, but this time, it seems to have hit a wall.

In a surprising development, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has reportedly imposed a ban on airing any tributes or special programmes dedicated to Asha Bhosle, drawing attention and sparking debate over the move.

Azhar Abbas, Pakistan’s senior journalist and President of Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors, wrote a long note on X and announced, “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.”

He added, “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. 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.”

This has erupted a massive debate on social media and users are criticising this decision.

One user commented, “Shame on you for doing this. She was one of the most beautiful voices in subcontinent. She lives in every music lover’s heart. She is equally loved in Pakistan.”

Another user commented, “Shame on PEMRA! It should revisit its SOPs! If PEMRA can’t pay respect to a person of ASHA BHOSLE Ji’s calibre/status, then it should closed down its office & let the media mind its own business. God rest the most versatile ruling queen of music, Asha Bhosle Ji, in the 7th Heaven.”

One user reacted, “Reality is that Lataji & Ashajis music reign Pakistani hearts which PEMRA & the Pakistan army cannot control or regulate. So they resort to such petty actions because they want Pakistani people to think they are different to India-same DNA/ culture cannot support 2 nation theory!”

Another user reacted, “What a shame! How unfortunate. When Madam Noor Jehan passed away Lata Mangeshkar gave a sound bite on PTV. Where are we headed.”

Legendary Singer Asha Bhosle passed away on April 12 after suffering a cardiac arrest. She received a guard of honour by police officials during her last rites.