The reality show ‘Lazwal Ishq’, which gave the opportunity to choose a life partner for oneself, is no longer available on YouTube in Pakistan.
The format of this show has been controversial even before its inception. After it was aired on YouTube, criticism of the show increased further.
This reality show, hosted by Ayesha Omar, was being described as being against Islamic values and Pakistani culture.
Social media users also launched a regular campaign to remove the show from YouTube and it has now been removed from YouTube.
The management of the reality show said on its Instagram page that due to some political reasons, our program cannot be watched in Pakistan.
It should be remembered that ‘Lazwal Ishq’ features eight young boys and girls from Pakistan who stay in a bungalow in Istanbul to choose a life partner.
The show is modeled after the international reality dating show ‘Love Island’ and seems to be inspired by the Turkish reality show ‘Aşk Adasi’.
Out of the total 100 episodes of the show, 50 episodes had been aired but now these episodes were suddenly removed from YouTube in Pakistan, although short clips are still available.
AFP tried to get the YouTube administration’s stance on the removal of Lazwal Ishq for Pakistani viewers but did not receive an immediate response.
It should be remembered that Ayesha Omar faced severe criticism on social media after the trailer was released and a large number of social media users called the show obscene and immoral.
To which Ayesha Omar said that this is not a Pakistani show but a Turkish production, but people in Pakistan can watch it.
Earlier, PEMRA confirmed that a large number of complaints were received against the show, but digital platforms are beyond our jurisdiction.
PEMRA advised the petitioners to approach the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which monitors online content.
Attempts to get a response from the PTA regarding the banning of Lazwal Ishq on YouTube in Pakistan have not yet been responded to.
It should be noted that this is not the first time that a program has been removed from YouTube in Pakistan. Last year, the drama ‘Barzakh’ was removed for allegedly promoting homosexuality.