PEMRA acknowledged receiving “a lot of complaints.”
Lazawal Ishq, the reality show hosted by Ayesha Omar, is no longer accessible on YouTube in Pakistan.
The show posted on its Instagram account:
“Our programme might not be watchable in Pakistan due to political reasons.”
Viewers in Pakistan were advised to use virtual private networks, or VPNs, to continue watching the series online.
The reality programme features eight men and women from Pakistan living together in a villa in Istanbul, Turkey.
It follows the format of reality dating shows such as Love Island, where contestants test compatibility and form relationships.
The show is based on the Turkish reality series Ask Adasi, but all dialogue and narration in Lazawal Ishq is in Urdu.
Before being removed in Pakistan, the programme aired 50 full episodes, though some clips remain available on its YouTube channel.
The trailer opened with Omar entering the villa in a white dress and meeting contestants eager to form romantic connections.
She quickly faced criticism online for allegedly promoting “obscene and immoral content,” a common reaction in conservative circles.
Omar previously clarified on Instagram: “This is not a Pakistani show… it is a Turkish production, but of course people in Pakistan can watch it.”
Despite controversy, the show gained popularity, with the inaugural trailer reaching more than two million views on YouTube.
The response revealed a growing generational divide between Pakistan’s digitally connected youth and conservative audiences.
An anonymous viewer told AFP that the show was “something fun to watch” and highlighted dating practices in Pakistan.
A petition was filed with the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), seeking a ban on the programme. The petitioners argued:
“The show violates Pakistan’s religious and social values by showing unmarried men and women living together.”
PEMRA acknowledged receiving “a lot of complaints” but explained that it did not have jurisdiction over digital platforms like YouTube.
The regulator advised petitioners to approach the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, which monitors online content, though no comment was provided.
YouTube has previously removed content considered offensive by conservative Pakistanis, including last year’s drama series Barzakh.
Barzakh was reportedly taken down due to claims that it promoted LGBTQ relationships, sparking similar debates on morality and online censorship.
Lazawal Ishq continues to be available outside Pakistan, and it can be streamed using VPNs as well.
Fans of the show expressed frustration that content aimed at young audiences is now blocked in Pakistan.
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