Upsetting: Zoheb Hassan assures he did not call out ‘Sinf-e-Aahan’ for money

Veteran pop singer Zoheb Hassan is shockingly receiving backlash for calling out ISPR drama serial Sinf-e-Aahan on its “unauthorised use” of his and his late sister Nazia Hasan’s song Dosti. The 55-year-old has expressed his disappointment at those calling him an opportunist instead of supporting him. And he has assured that all royalties of his and his late sister’s songs go towards “charitable activities,” thus, no damages demanded – if any – in violation of intellectual property, would benefit him directly.

Taking to the micro-blogging site once again, Zoheb shared a collage of pictures from the successful charitable projects of the Nazia Hassan Foundation – a non-profit organisation.

He wrote, “Some believe I objected to the unauthorised use of my song Dosti to extort money from ISPR and Sinf-e-Aahan. This is quite upsetting and false given that all of Nazia and my song royalties go towards charitable activities in Pakistan under the Nazia Hassan foundation.”

Earlier, the singer claimed there has been a “violation of intellectual property” after sharing a video clip of his song being performed in the serial. He wrote, “When will Pakistan abide by others’ copyright and intellectual property rights?”

Dosti was used in the latest episode of the women-centred drama, performed by the characters of Syra Yousuf and Yehali Tashiya to an auditorium packed with other students in the army academy around which the serial is based.

Zoheb also reshared a Facebook post by entertainment company B&H International Private Limited, which is the copyright owner of all songs written and composed by Nazia and Zoheb. The post, a notice of copyright infringement, read, “It has come to our knowledge that below mentioned parties have used and commercially broadcast our song entitled Dosti, composed by Zoheb Hassan and sung originally by Nazia Hassan and Zoheb Hassan, without our prior consent or approval by producers or drama serial Sinf e Aahan.”

The notice continued, “We therefore reserve our right to take action against all liable parties involved or associated with such infringement.” The song was originally part of the pop duo’s 1983 album Young Tarang.