In the recent episode of the reality show Lazawal Ishq viewers saw emotional and bold moments between a male and a female contestant which caused strong criticism from the audience.
Filmed in Turkey Lazawal Ishq is Pakistan’s first dating reality show featuring four men and four women living together in one house where they try to find their life partners during the show.
From the start the show has faced heavy criticism. Social media users called it against Islamic and cultural values and labeled it as a copy of Western dating shows. Many hashtags against the show started trending online.
The first episode of Lazawal Ishq was released on YouTube on September 29 and viewers have continued to show anger over the following episodes.
The show’s host Ayesha Omar said that it is not a dating show but many users accused her of spreading indecency in an Islamic country.
After the teaser and trailer were released social media users demanded a ban on the show. PEMRA later clarified that the show is aired on YouTube and does not fall under their control.
Recently Muhammad Faik Shah chairman of the Aman Taraqqi Party filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court against the show asking PEMRA and PTA to take action.
Celebrities like Mishi Khan and Fiza Ali also criticized the show saying that it goes against Pakistani values and is influencing the youth toward dating and vulgarity.
In the latest 14th episode an emotional scene was shown between contestants Junaid and Jannat. Junaid became emotional while talking about his mother and Jannat started crying while listening.
Junaid then hugged Jannat to comfort her and kissed her on the head several times while holding her for a long time.
Viewers expressed strong anger over their closeness. Some said the show should be renamed Be Sharam Ishq while others criticized those who support such content.