Paying tribute to Asha Bhosle was costly, Pakistan’s Geo News was punished, PEMRA served notice

News India Live, Digital Desk: Paying respect to music queen Asha Bhosle has become a problem for one of Pakistan’s biggest news channels ‘Geo News’. Pakistan’s media regulatory body PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) has issued a stringent show cause notice to the channel. This controversy started when the channel paid tribute to an Indian singer in one of its programs, which fundamentalists and army supporters termed it as an ‘anti-national’ act. What is the whole controversy? Chaos over a tribute: Recently Geo News had aired a special segment in which Asha Bhosle’s contribution to the music world and her magical voice was appreciated. Glimpses of some of his famous songs were also shown in the programme. As soon as the show aired, ‘pro-army’ accounts on Pakistan’s social media took issue with it. They argue that glorifying an Indian celebrity at a time when relations between India and Pakistan are tense is against Pakistan’s ‘national interest’. PEMRA’s action: Citing ‘national dignity’ PEMRA has said in its notice that Geo News has violated the media code of conduct. The regulatory body alleges that the content of the channel hurts Pakistan’s ideological boundaries and national pride. An explanation has been sought from Geo News on this and a warning has been given of heavy fine or ban on broadcasting if a satisfactory answer is not received. Pakistan Army supporters are believed to have a big hand in the attack on social media by Pakistan Army supporters behind this controversy. A campaign was launched on Twitter (X) against Geo News, calling the channel a ‘traitor’ and ‘supporter of India’. The protesters say that Pakistani media should focus on local issues instead of promoting Indian culture and artists. This is not the first time that Geo News has faced the wrath of the Pakistani establishment for talking about Indian artists or peace. Art vs Politics: Intellectuals expressed regret. While on one hand the radicals are protesting, on the other hand the liberal section of Pakistan and music lovers have expressed grief over this action. Many people on social media say that art and music have no limits. Asha Bhosle’s voice is loved across the borders, and paying tribute to her was just a cultural courtesy. Experts believe that this incident is another example of decreasing media freedom and increasing censorship in Pakistan.