Singer Sajjad Ali has become the latest to come out with criticism of Pakistan Idol, the nationally broadcast singing contest. In a press conference last week in Canada, the singer said the limited library of songs available to performers made the show somewhat monotonous.

Ali said the blame lay squarely on the shoulders of the programme organisers who had failed to acquire the rights to his songs and those of other notable musicians. He said “every contestant wanted to sing [their] songs” and that anyone performing their music “would win great praise and maybe even the competition itself.”

Ali said he had been approached by the Pakistan Idol team for licensing but that they couldn’t reach an agreement over the financial terms of a potential deal. So far, public reaction to criticism of Pakistan Idol has been largely dismissive, with many people just happy to see talented Pakistanis get a national platform.