The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has begun hearing a petition calling for a ban on Lazawal Ishq, Pakistan’s first-ever reality dating show streaming on YouTube. The show has sparked intense public debate, with critics labeling it as “obscene” and a threat to cultural and moral values.
The petition, filed by the Amaan Taraqqi Party, argues that Lazawal Ishq promotes indecency and undermines the country’s social and ethical norms.
qJustice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, presiding over the case, has issued notices to the federal government, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and other relevant institutions to respond to the petition.
Modeled after the internationally popular Love Island, Lazawal Ishq features a group of men and women living together in a villa on an island, forming romantic connections and participating in bold challenges. The show is hosted by well-known actor Ayesha Omar, whose involvement has added to the controversy.
Since the teaser’s release, Lazawal Ishq has ignited a fierce debate on social media. Some viewers have praised the show as a daring step toward modernizing Pakistan’s entertainment landscape, while others have condemned it as a violation of cultural boundaries and Islamic values.
The petitioner, Faiq, has urged the court to instruct PEMRA and PTA to strengthen monitoring of online platforms and restrict content deemed inappropriate. The petition also calls for clarification on the Council of Islamic Ideology’s (CII) role in overseeing digital media content.
Amid mounting criticism, Ayesha Omar defended the project, asserting that Lazawal Ishq should not be classified as a dating show but rather as a social experiment focused on human relationships. The IHC will continue hearing the case on November 20, as debate over morality, censorship, and creative freedom continues to intensify.
