"This show is pathetic and useless.”
A recent episode of the online reality series Lazawal Ishq has stirred outrage across Pakistan after a viral moment drew widespread criticism.
The scene, taken from episode fourteen, showed contestant Junaid comforting fellow participant Jannat during an emotional conversation about his late mother.
As Junaid spoke about his personal loss, Jannat began to cry, leading him to embrace her, kiss her head multiple times, and hold her closely.
This interaction, though brief, immediately ignited backlash on social media where users condemned the intimacy as inappropriate for Pakistani audiences.
Many critics expressed their disapproval across platforms like X and Instagram, calling the moment disrespectful to cultural and religious values.
One user wrote: “I do not understand why people are watching this c**p.”
Another said: “This show is pathetic and useless.”
Some users went further and demanded that Lazawal Ishq be banned entirely, arguing that such content was damaging to social norms.
The show, filmed in Turkey, features four men and four women living together in one villa to explore romantic connections.
Known as Pakistan’s first digital dating reality show, it has faced strong opposition since its first episode aired on YouTube in September 2025.
From the beginning, people have accused the show of imitating western dating formats that do not reflect Pakistani traditions or beliefs.
Hashtags calling for the banning of Lazawal Ishq have regularly trended after each new episode, especially among conservative users online.
Critics claim the producers are ignoring public sentiment in favour of shock value and viral moments that attract views.
Well-known celebrities have also weighed in on the issue, joining the debate and criticising the direction local entertainment content is taking.
Actress Mishi Khan slammed the show, saying it violates the very essence of Pakistani culture and promotes unacceptable behaviour.
Fiza Ali echoed similar concerns, warning that such shows could influence impressionable young viewers in dangerous ways.
The backlash has now extended into political and legal circles, with a petition filed in the Islamabad High Court seeking government action.
Muhammad Faik Shah, head of the Aman Taraqi Party, submitted the petition, naming PTA and PEMRA as responsible authorities.
PEMRA, however, responded by stating it holds no jurisdiction over digital platforms like YouTube, where the show is exclusively broadcast.
The regulatory body clarified its authority only applies to licensed television channels, not online streaming or social media platforms.
Despite this clarification, public pressure continues to mount, but the show’s creators have not released any official statement on the matter.
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