Why ‘Lazawal Ishq’ Is Stirring Controversy in Pakistan

Pakistani actress Ayesha Omar is on a boat, surrounded by blue waters, arriving at the entrance of a luxurious house.

Behind the door is a set resembling a big-budget film, with the word ‘Ishq’ written in Urdu above a small entrance by the swimming pool.

In the trailer, Ayesha Omar says that ‘Lazawal Ishq’ is a reality show where Pakistani men and women will search for true love.

She adds in the trailer: “Remember, this house is for true love.”

Few days after the trailer’s release, Pakistani social media shows that some users are unhappy with this approach to ‘finding true love’.

The media regulatory body in Pakistan, PEMRA, has confirmed receiving complaints about ‘Lazawal Ishq’. However, since the show is not broadcast on any PEMRA-licensed platform, the rules do not apply.

Despite this, criticism on social media continues.

Prominent motivational speaker Qaisar Ahmad Raja wrote on X: “It’s obligatory on every Pakistani to stand up against this low-level degeneracy. Filth like this should not have any space in an Islamic society”.

Critics seem to overlook that the show is not linked to the government and is produced by a Turkish company.

One user called it an “extremely polygamous project,” adding, “People can do what they want in their personal lives, but if something impacts society or promotes polygamy, we will criticize it.”

The show is not only being criticized; some users defend it. But first, let’s look at what ‘Lazawal Ishq’ actually shows?

‘Searching for True Love’

The trailer also introduces a group of men and women.

In the trailer, host Ayesha Omar says: “These people searching for true love will spend all their time in this magnificent house, where every moment will be recorded by cameras.”

She adds: “Through challenging relationship tests, participants will get to know each other better. The winning pair will receive a grand prize.

This format is well-known, with similar shows produced in many countries, some of which have also gained popularity in Pakistan.

Earlier, a local version of the British program Love Island was produced in Turkey as Ishq Adosi. Now, Lazawal Ishq has been made on the same model for Urdu-speaking viewers worldwide.

Ayesha Omar told local media that Lazawal Ishq was produced by a Turkish company.

She explained: “This show was made for YouTube. It is actually a Turkish show that has been produced in many languages. For Arab viewers it was made in Arabic, it has also been made in Persian, and now it is being made in Urdu as well.”

She also confirmed that the participants are Pakistanis.

While many Turkish dramas have aired in Pakistan with Urdu translation, Ayesha Omar believes Lazawal Ishq should have been filmed in Urdu from the start, since Pakistan’s culture and traditions are different.