"It is not a dating show at all."
A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the controversial reality show Lazawal Ishq, accusing it of airing inappropriate content.
The petition was filed by Muhammad Faiq, Chairman of the Aman Taraqqi Party, who claims that the show promotes content against Pakistan’s religious and social values.
Faiq has argued that Lazawal Ishq encourages behaviour that contradicts the country’s moral fabric.
The show features men and women living together in a villa, engaging in relationships, and participating in various games, all under the scrutiny of cameras.
The show is based on the Turkish reality programme Ask Adasi.
In his petition, Faiq has requested that the court direct the PEMRA and the PTA to monitor such content on digital platforms.
Additionally, the petition seeks guidance from the court regarding the role of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) in regulating this kind of content.
Since its teaser release, Lazawal Ishq has sparked significant debate across social media platforms.
Some people have called it a bold move for Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Others have demanded that the show be boycotted, claiming that it is immoral.
While many have referred to it as a dating show, Ayesha Omar, the host, clarified that Lazawal Ishq is not a dating programme.
Instead, it is a competition where relationships form as part of the ongoing show.
She said: “Some news outlets are claiming that I said it is a Pakistani dating show, but that’s not true.
“Not once did I say it is a dating show.”
Ayesha added: “Yes, the promo has been getting all kinds of feedback and speculation.
“[But] it is not a dating show at all. It is not about dating… it is about finding a life partner for marriage.”
Despite the backlash, Lazawal Ishq has managed to gather millions of views.
The show has aired 13 episodes so far, and its online popularity continues to grow.
However, PEMRA confirmed that it has received numerous complaints regarding the show’s content.
Although complaints have been made, Lazawal Ishq has not been licensed for television broadcasting in Pakistan.
As it is airing on YouTube and other digital platforms, PEMRA clarified that its authority does not extend to non-licensed channels.
The petition is also raising questions about the role of digital platforms in Pakistan’s entertainment landscape.
Traditional regulators like PEMRA are struggling to keep pace with the rise of digital media, making it harder to manage such content.
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