Pakistan Government Issues Notice Over False Asha Bhosle Death Reports

Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle passed away on April 12, 2026, at the age of 92. Her death has triggered mourning across the subcontinent and led to a regulatory dispute in Pakistan regarding the broadcast of her work.

Bhosle died at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai following complications from a chest infection and multiple organ failure. On April 13, 2026, she was laid to rest with full state honors at the Shivaji Park crematorium.

Regulatory Dispute in Pakistan

Following the news of the singer’s demise, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued a show-cause notice to the news channel Geo News on April 13, 2026. The regulator questioned the channel’s decision to air Indian songs and film clips during its tribute coverage of Bhosle.

According to reports, the notice cited a wilful defiance of a Supreme Court of Pakistan judgment that prohibited the airing of Indian content, a ban that has been in place since 2018.

Geo News Defense

Azhar Abbas, the managing director of Geo News, responded to the notice via a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. Abbas defended the tribute, stating that it is customary to revisit and celebrate the work of iconic artists when reporting on their passing.

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. Art, like knowledge, is a shared heritage of humanity and it should not be confined by borders.

Azhar Abbas, Managing Director of Geo News

Abbas further argued that intellectuals, musicians, and creators often act as voices against hatred and division, bringing people closer together. He emphasized that art and artists should not become casualties during times of war and conflict.

In his statement, Abbas also noted the personal connection between the two nations’ musical legacies, claiming that Asha Bhosle admired the legendary Pakistani singer Noor Jahan and fondly referred to her as her elder sister.

Subcontinent-Wide Tributes

The passing of the music icon has drawn reactions from artists across the region. Singer Sujata Mohan expressed her grief, stating that she would always remain one of Bhosle’s greatest admirers.

Bhosle’s career spanned several decades and multiple languages, leaving a significant impact on the music industry of the subcontinent. Her death has been mourned by fans and colleagues globally as the end of a remarkable musical journey.