Lazawal Ishq Episode 1 Under Fire for Obscene and Cringe Style
Lazawal Ishq: Pakistan’s First Reality Dating Show Sparks Controversy
Lazawal Ishq made waves as Pakistan’s first-ever reality dating show, hosted by the charismatic Ayesha Omar. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Istanbul, the show brings together eight contestants—four men and four women—living under one roof, all in search of their “forever love.”
The premiere episode, nearly 90 minutes long and streamed on YouTube, quickly gained attention with over 145,000 views. It introduced viewers to the participants and their thoughts on what they desire in a life partner.
However, despite its popularity in terms of views, the show has faced heavy criticism from many viewers. The concept of unmarried men and women sharing a villa stirred significant backlash, especially across social media and the comments section.
Many expressed discomfort and disapproval, with some calling it a “waste of time” and others hoping for guidance and forgiveness for those involved. The format challenges traditional norms, sparking a nationwide debate about modern entertainment and cultural values.
The episode also stirred controversy, largely because some female contestants appeared in bold, Western-style outfits that many viewers found culturally inappropriate. While Ayesha Omar has emphasized that Lazawal Ishq isn’t a typical dating show but rather an exploration of “eternal love and affection,” critics quickly dismissed it as just that—a dating show.
Soon after the trailer dropped, calls for banning the program gained momentum, with many urging authorities to shut it down. However, regulators clarified that since Lazawal Ishq is only streaming online and not airing on TV, they don’t have the jurisdiction to block it. Despite appeals to the government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), no official action has been taken.
The show was filmed in Turkey and follows a format popular in several countries, including versions in Arabic and Persian, making it part of a larger global reality TV trend. Organizers have confirmed the series will span 100 episodes, with new ones rolling out weekly.
Audience reactions remain split—while some applaud the show’s boldness and fresh approach to reality TV, others feel it clashes with traditional cultural values. With nearly 100 episodes still to come, the conversation around Lazawal Ishq is far from over.
Strong Backlash on YouTube
Despite drawing impressive viewership, the first episode has sparked fierce criticism on YouTube. The main issue for many Pakistani viewers is the show’s premise—unmarried men and women living together under one roof—which has triggered widespread disapproval. The comments section is filled with harsh reactions, with many calling for the show to be boycotted.
Some comments are blunt and scathing, like: “Such a creep show! Waste of money and my time.” Others express disappointment on a deeper level: “It felt really wrong watching this. May Allah guide them all.” Several viewers have even taken action, with one saying, “I’ve reported it, now it’s your turn.” Another urged, “Please boycott this cheap show.”
Many have openly condemned the program and those behind it, revealing just how strongly the format has struck a nerve with the audience.
