Ayesha Omar’s ‘Lazawaal Ishq’ sparks debate as PEMRA responds to complaints
Ayesha Omar is set to host Lazawaal Ishq, Pakistan’s first dating reality show. The announcement has already triggered sharp debate. The concept mirrors international formats like Love Island, bringing together four men and four women in a villa where they will date, take part in challenges, and form alliances while cameras track their every move. The finale will see one couple declared the winners.
The teaser, released in mid-September, quickly divided audiences. Online criticism poured in, with many arguing that the program clashed with cultural traditions and Islamic values. Boycott campaigns spread on social media, with hashtags targeting both the show and its host. Calls also grew for regulators to step in before it could reach screens.
Responding to the controversy, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued a clarification. The regulator confirmed it has received a large number of complaints but explained that Lazawaal Ishq has not been licensed for television broadcast in Pakistan. PEMRA noted that its jurisdiction applies only to licensed TV channels, and since the show’s teasers are circulating online and will air on Youtube, it cannot either ban or approve the content at this stage.
From Istanbul, Ayesha Omar defended the project as a groundbreaking step for Urdu-speaking audiences. She said the contestants are all Pakistani and described the production as a mix of drama, romance, and competition. With its villa setting, swimming pool, and 24-hour filming, she added, the series is designed to deliver an immersive reality-show experience never before attempted in the local industry.
Despite her optimism, pushback remains strong. Religious groups, cultural commentators, and many social media users argue that dating shows risk undermining family values and promoting behaviors seen as inappropriate. Some critics have even pledged to approach the courts to try to block the program before it launches.
One user stated "Guys, we all have to report it. It's against our religion culture and norms."
Another stated "Report it please, we don't support it."
Another user stated to "Have some decency it's one thing to sin ... And is another to to publicize it!!! Fear Allah ... What are you leaving behind in this world!??? What are you leading people to ??? You might be getting fancy checks and what not but so you not at all understand the fitnah!?? Do you not fear your grave!??? How will you face Allah it's mentioned Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Everyone from my nation will be forgiven except those who sin in public. Among them is a man who commits an evil deed in the night that Allah has hidden for him, then in the morning he says: O people, I have committed this sin! His Lord had hidden it during the night, but in the morning he reveals what Allah has hidden.” Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6069, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2990."
Another stated "Sadly, the people criticising here are often the same ones who enjoy reality shows from other countries. But when it's our own reality show, made by our own people, we're quick to criticise and degrade it, without even knowing the actual context and watching the show. We just never encourage or appreciate the efforts of our own people. Everyone acts like they spend all their time in worship, follow everything that our beautiful religion teaches, and never watch anything, which is simply not true. Stop acting like you're a saint. For once, try to support your own country's star and your own reality show. And if you don't like it, no one is forcing you to watch it. Stop giving your irrelevant opinion without even watching it. She's our own Star, try to appreciate and respect, we shouldn't be degrading our own people. Watch the show first, then give your opinion."
Another user stated "Lets boycott and raise our voices before this shamelessness starts! Look the way these female actresses of Pakistan are spoiling our youth through western culture's clothing! We don’t want such shows please!!"
As of now, no broadcast date or official platform has been confirmed, leaving the show in uncertain territory. What is clear is that Lazawaal Ishq has already become a flashpoint in discussions about entertainment, regulation, and cultural identity. For supporters, it represents a chance to experiment with new formats and expand Urdu content on the global stage. For detractors, it highlights the tension between imported media trends and local values. Whatever its fate, the debate surrounding the show has ensured it will be remembered as a marker of how contested the future of television in Pakistan has become.