The premiere of Lazawal Ishq, Pakistan’s first reality TV show, has caused significant controversy following its debut episode. The show, hosted by Ayesha Omar and filmed in Istanbul, features eight contestants—four men and four women—living together in a villa as they search for “forever love.”
The first episode, which aired on the show’s YouTube channel, garnered more than 145,000 views. Despite the large viewership, the response has been overwhelmingly negative from Pakistani viewers.
A key point of contention is the show’s format, which places unmarried men and women in the same living space. Many viewers took to social media to express their disapproval, with one comment calling it a “creep show” and a “waste of time.” Another viewer said, “It felt very bad watching this. May Allah forgive such people and guide them toward the right path.”
The criticism extended to the participants’ attire, with some viewers calling the women’s outfits “too bold” for a Pakistani audience.
The show, an adaptation of the Turkish series Ask Adasi, follows contestants’ daily interactions and is framed around themes of love and affection. Despite the backlash, Ayesha Omar defended the program, claiming it explores meaningful themes of “eternal love.”
The full episode has sparked a wider cultural debate about the type of content suitable for Pakistan’s entertainment industry, especially as it relates to social norms. The country’s broadcasting regulator confirmed that it had received complaints but noted it has no authority over online platforms like YouTube.
Lazawal Ishq is now at the center of a growing discussion on the tension between modern entertainment formats and traditional values in Pakistani society.
