A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the controversial reality TV show Lazawal Ishq, accusing it of airing inappropriate content.

 

Chairman of the Aman Taraqqi Party, Muhammad Faiq, filed the petition, stating that the show Lazawal Ishq is promoting content that goes against the country’s religious and social values.

 

The petition requests the court to direct the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to strictly monitor such indecent content on digital platforms. It also seeks the court’s guidance regarding the role of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).

 

Lazawal Ishq, hosted by Ayesha Omar, is based on the Turkish reality show Ask Odasi. The program features men and women living together in a villa, forming relationships, participating in games, while cameras record their interactions. Eventually, one couple emerges as the winner.

 

After the release of the show's teaser last month, backlash emerged swift and harsh. Some users called it a bold move for Pakistan’s entertainment industry, while others demanded a complete boycott and action against the producers.

 

Some users referred to it as a dating show, but the Bulbulay actress clarified that it is not.

 

PEMRA confirmed that it had received numerous complaints regarding the show. However, Lazawal Ishq has not been issued a license for television broadcasting in Pakistan. PEMRA clarified that its regulatory authority is limited to licensed channels, while the show is being aired on YouTube and other digital platforms.

 

The show has released 13 episodes so far and, despite the criticism, it has also garnered millions of views.