Islamabad, October 14, 2025 — In a nation where dating remains a cultural taboo and extramarital relationships are punishable by law, Pakistan’s groundbreaking reality dating show Lazawal Ishq has ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Just weeks after its YouTube premiere, a legal petition has been lodged in the Islamabad High Court demanding an immediate ban on the series, accusing it of promoting “un-Islamic” values, obscenity, and moral corruption that could erode societal norms.
The 100-episode extravaganza, hosted by acclaimed actress Ayesha Omar and filmed against the scenic backdrop of Istanbul’s Bosphorus, draws direct inspiration from global hits like the UK’s Love Island and Turkey’s Aşk Adası.
Eight Pakistani contestants—four men and four women—cohabitate in a lavish villa, navigating romantic challenges, heartfelt confessions, and competitive twists in pursuit of “everlasting love,” as the show’s title translates from Urdu.
Omar, known for her bold roles and advocacy for gender equality, described it in a recent interview as “a first-of-its-kind for Urdu-speaking audiences,” promising viewers an unfiltered glimpse into “every spark, every fight, and every connection.”
But what was billed as a fresh take on modern romance has instead become a lightning rod for conservative backlash. The petition, filed by concerned citizens and supported by religious scholars, argues that the format violates Islamic ethics by encouraging premarital interactions between unrelated men and women, potentially leading to “dangerous influences on young minds.”
Pakistani TV host Fiza Ali amplified the outcry, slamming the show as a “copy of Western dating programs” that clashes with the country’s family-centric traditions. Critics have flooded social media with Quranic verses decrying obscenity, while hashtags like #BoycottLazawalIshq trend alongside calls for stricter oversight of online content.
Social media has transformed into a polarized arena. Detractors, including members of the Amun Taraqqi Party, have petitioned regulators like the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to intervene, urging consultation with the Council of Islamic Ideology on permissible romantic media.
One viral post quipped, “Pakistan isn’t a market for dating reality shows—people can barely hold hands in public,” while another darkly joked, “Even the Taliban had enough of Lazawal Ishq,” referencing recent cross-border tensions. Religious groups have labeled it a “threat to family values,” with some collecting signatures for broader civic complaints.
Yet, not everyone is calling for cancellation. Urban supporters hail the show as a bold step toward modernity, arguing it empowers adults to make informed viewing choices without state paternalism. “There’s nothing wrong with Lazawal Ishq—it’s a YouTube program, and we trust Pakistani viewers to decide,” tweeted journalist Muneeb Qadir.
Others view it as a “guilty pleasure,” exposing the generational chasm between Pakistan’s conservative roots and its youth’s globalized aspirations. Despite the uproar, PEMRA has clarified that the show falls outside its TV broadcast jurisdiction since it’s streaming exclusively on YouTube, leaving regulators’ hands tied for now.
As the Islamabad High Court prepares to hear the case, Lazawal Ishq continues to air unabated, paradoxically boosting its viewership amid the scandal. The controversy underscores Pakistan’s ongoing tug-of-war between tradition and progress: a microcosm where imported entertainment formats collide with deeply held cultural and religious boundaries.
For Omar and her team, the silence amid the storm speaks volumes—neither confirming nor denying the backlash, as the villa’s drama unfolds episode by episode.
Will the court side with the petitioners, or will Lazawal Ishq carve out space for unapologetic romance in Pakistan’s digital landscape? As one supporter put it, “Let us make our own choices.” For now, the answer remains as elusive as true love itself.
Nikhil Sharma is a seasoned news editor at TheDailyNewsTimes.com, based in India. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in political, entertainment and cultural journalism. His editorial leadership delivers balanced, impactful content for a global audience. Nikhil’s dedication to truth has earned him widespread respect in the industry.
