'L?zaw?l Ishq' in the dock

Petition before IHC seeks action against show's 'immoral' content

ISLAMABAD:

A constitutional petition has been filed before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the reality TV show 'Lazawal Ishq', accusing it of promoting obscenity and moral corruption among viewers.

The plea, submitted by Aman Taraqqi Party Chairperson Muhammad Faiq Shah, contends that the show runs content contrary to the country's religio-socio values, traditions and morals.

Shah argued that the show encourages immodesty under the guise of entertainment and freedom of expression. He urged the court to direct the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to strictly monitor what he termed as "immoral" content on digital platforms.

The petition also sought the court's guidance regarding the role of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) in addressing such issues. "We support art and freedom of expression, but not moral decline and immodesty in the name of freedom," the petitioner maintained in his plea, describing the move as an attempt to protect the country's cultural and religious fabric.

The petition, filed through advocate Mian Asif Mahmood, names the Federation of Pakistan, PEMRA, PTA, CII, and the newly formed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) as respondents.

Hosted by actor Ayesha Omar, 'Lazawal Ishq' is modelled on the Turkish reality show Ask Adas?. The programme features men and women living together in a villa, forming alliances and competing in challenges, while the camera follows their interactions until one couple emerges as the winner.

A teaser of the show, released last month, generated strong reactions online. While some social media users cheered the production as a bold new step for Pakistani entertainment, others called for its complete boycott and action against its producers.

Responding to the backlash, PEMRA had confirmed that it had received multiple complaints regarding the show and clarified that 'Lazawal Ishq' was not licensed for television broadcast in Pakistan.

However, the authority explained that its regulatory powers extend only to licensed TV channels, while the programme streams on YouTube and circulates through digital media platforms.

Omar has defended the project, describing it as a "groundbreaking experiment" for Urdu-speaking audiences. According to her, all contestants are Pakistani, and the format combines drama, romance and competition in a way that she believes would "redefine local entertainment."