Geo faces backlash over Asha Bhosle tribute

Geo has come under criticism after paying tribute to legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle following reports of her death this week.

Asha Bhosle was celebrated as one of the most iconic voices in South Asian music. Known as the sister of Lata Mangeshkar and widely recognized for her extraordinary contribution to playback singing, she built a lasting legacy through songs that remained beloved across generations.

She also enjoyed a large fan base in Pakistan, where her music has been cherished by listeners for decades. Following news of her passing at the age of 92 after a brief illness, Geo News aired a tribute package to honor her life and work. That tribute, however, unexpectedly sparked controversy.

The channel was reportedly served a notice by Pemra for broadcasting what was described as Indian content after her songs were included in the package. The move surprised even the channel’s management.

Geo News managing director Azhar Abbas also addressed the matter on X, saying it is standard practice to revisit an artist’s work after their death, yet the channel was still issued a notice.

The decision has triggered strong reactions online, with many users questioning the reasoning behind the action. Several people argued that Asha Bhosle’s artistic legacy belonged to the entire subcontinent, while others said the notice reflected an unnecessary overreaction. The criticism on social media has continued to grow as more users weigh in on the controversy.