Desk Correspondent , Islamabad - Pakistan’s media watchdog has issued a show cause notice to Geo News after the channel aired a tribute segment for legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle that included Indian songs and film visuals. The regulator said the broadcast amounted to wilful defiance of the country’s long standing restrictions on Indian content on television, a rule in place since a Supreme Court order in 2018.

According to reports, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, or PEMRA, objected to the channel’s coverage of Asha Bhosle’s death and the musical tribute that followed. The notice alleged that the broadcaster violated multiple provisions of Pakistan’s media rules by airing Indian material, even though the segment was framed as a respectful remembrance of a cultural icon.The action has drawn attention because it comes at a time when Indian music continues to remain popular among Pakistani audiences, especially on digital platforms where the television ban does not apply.

Geo News reportedly defended the tribute, arguing that Asha Bhosle’s legacy transcends borders and that celebrating her work was consistent with journalistic custom when covering the passing of major artists. The controversy has also triggered criticism from journalists and media observers in Pakistan, who say the response reflects heavy handed regulation at a time when art and culture should remain separate from political tensions. At the same time, PEMRA’s notice shows that the country’s official stance on Indian content remains strict, particularly on television broadcasts.

The row over Asha Bhosle’s tribute has turned into a larger debate about censorship, cultural exchange, and the limits of Pakistan’s ban on Indian content. While the channel is now facing regulatory scrutiny, the incident also highlights how deeply Indian music and cinema continue to shape public taste across the border