Renowned Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat urged iTunes and Apple Music to categorize Pakistani coke studio as “Indian Pop, Asian or Worldwide”.
iTunes is a software program that serves as a media player, media library, mobile device management utility, and client app for the iTunes Store. Meanwhile, Apple Music is a service that provides music, audio and video streaming service developed by Apple.
Taking to Twitter, Mehwish said that Coke Studio – a Pakistani platform that brings together some of the best singers, musicians and composers to celebrate musical heritage – was categorized as “Indian Pop”.
Just noticed iTunes/Apple music – music portal classifies our Coke Studio Pakistan as “Indian Pop”. Other episodes are ‘Worldwide’ or ‘Asia’- anything but ‘Pakistani’. Come on @AppleMusic give us this one at least! Coke Studio is a Pakistani success & we deserve to be recognised. pic.twitter.com/Kd3yfrgXkU
— Mehwish Hayat TI (@MehwishHayat) March 10, 2023
In addition, it is also classified as “Worldwide” or “Asia”.
“Just looked at iTunes/Apple Music – the music portal classifies our Coke Studio Pakistan as “Indian Pop”. Other episodes are ‘Worldwide’ or ‘Asia’ – anything but ‘Pakistani’.” Mehwish wrote.
The actress said that Coke Studio is a Pakistani achievement and Pakistani music should be recognized.
Social media users praised Mehwish for speaking out on the issue.
Only Mehwish dared to raise the voice. Of course Pakistan's coke studio has its own class, standard and recognition. It deserves to be acknowledged uniquely.
— عین غین (@AmmaraGhazal007) March 10, 2023
Very strong point to consider! Pakistani music should have its own name, and you are the first to advocate for this!
— Hamza Sana (@HamzaSana16) March 10, 2023
The industry should take a stand and protest, and get it changed.
— Huma Shah (@Huma042) March 11, 2023
Well said , point to be noted and noticed by @AppleMusic
— 🔇 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫🔊 (@Investigator_9) March 10, 2023