The passing of singing icon Asha Bhosle has revealed a paradox in Pakistan, a neighbour. Even as Indian Bollywood music continues to rule Pakistani streaming charts, the Islamic Republic's media regulator clamped down on a television channel for playing Asha Bhosle songs.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the nation's media regulator, sent a warning to Geo News for deliberately disobeying the Pakistan Supreme Court's ruling prohibiting Indian content on TV channels after the broadcaster played some of Bhosle's songs following her passing.

Jaiye Sajana, the popular song from Dhurandhar 2, is ranked third on Pakistan's Spotify chart for the period of April 3 through April 9. The song "Dhurandhar 2" by Jasmine Sandlas, Satinder Sartaaj, and Shashwat Sachdev is ranked third, while "Boyfriend" by another Indian singer, Karan Aujla, is ranked sixth.
OVER ASHA BHOSLE SONGS, WHY DID PAKISTAN SET UP A TV CHANNEL?
Geo News received a show-cause notice from PEMRA, Pakistan's media watchdog. During an Asha Bhosle tribute, the broadcaster was accused of airing Indian songs and movie imagery.
It was described by the regulator as a "wilful defiance" of regulations. A 2018 Supreme Court ruling that prohibits Indian content on Pakistani television is the source of these regulations.Geo News stood up for itself. The portion was described as a memorial rather than entertaining. Bhosle's legacy transcends national boundaries, according to the station. However, PEMRA threatened to take severe measures, such as suspending the channel's licence.
WHAT IS PAKISTAN'S 2018 BAN ON INDIAN CONTENT?
The origins date back to 2018. Pakistan's Supreme Court decided in support of prohibiting Indian media output amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
TV series, films, and songs fell under this category. It was to be implemented by PEMRA. The rule has remained in place ever since. National interest served as the justification for the regulation. Local industries would benefit, according to the authorities. However, it has long been criticised for being restricted.This raises the question of how Indian songs are popular and being listened to in Pakistan despite the fact that they are prohibited there.
Why is the song "Dhurandhar 2" popular in Pakistan on Spotify?
Although Pakistani TV is subject to regulations, internet media are exempt. For this reason, the song from Dhurandhar 2 is currently popular in Pakistan on Spotify.
Only licensed broadcast and electronic media, including as TV networks, cable companies, radio stations, and DTH services, are covered under the PEMRA's mandate. These platforms are the only ones covered by the 2018 Supreme Court-backed ban on Indian material. According to a September 2025 report in the Karachi-based daily Dawn, digital streaming services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and international over-the-top (OTT) services like Netflix function outside of PEMRA's regulatory framework.

On the most recent list published by Spotify Pakistan on April 13, Navjot Ahuja's Khat is ranked fifth, aside from the Dhurandhar 2 song, Jaiye Sajana, and Karan Aujla's song Boyfriend.
Fans all over the world have responded favourably to Shashwat Sachdev's Dharandhar 2 album. Its songs are, of course, at the top of the charts in Pakistan and around the world.
In the end, Pakistanis are listening to the Dhurandhar 2 songs on streaming services like Spotify because they are addicted to them. However, users in Pakistan can access Indian songs and other content because the PRMRA framework does not apply to internet streaming services. The dilemma we talked about in the story is the result of this.