On April 12, Geo News received a show-cause notice from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for broadcasts related to the death of Indian singer Asha Bhosle. The notice, issued following Bhosle’s death, cited violations of various judgments and sections of PEMRA’s laws and codes of conduct that restrict airing Indian content in Pakistan.
Pemra’s notice stated that Geo News included Indian songs and film visuals while covering Bhosle’s death.
Geo News Managing Director Azhar Abbas expressed concern over the constraints placed on celebrating the accomplishments of iconic artists like 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 said in a post on X.
The show-cause notice has summoned the Geo News CEO to respond by April 27. The channel is required to explain in writing why it should not face legal actions, which could include fines, suspension, or even revocation of its broadcasting licence.
