A reality show hosted by Ayesha Omar that allowed young men and women to choose potential life partners is no longer accessible on YouTube in Pakistan.
Lazawal Ishq, the show sparked controversy even before its release, with criticism intensifying after episodes began airing on YouTube. Many viewers and commentators argued that the program conflicted with Islamic teachings and Pakistani cultural values.
Following sustained backlash on social media and repeated calls for its removal, the show has now been taken down for Pakistani audiences. The show’s management announced on Instagram that the program is unavailable in Pakistan due to unspecified political reasons.
Lazawal Ishq featured eight Pakistani participants living together in a bungalow in Istanbul as they searched for a life partner. The concept was adapted from the international dating format Love Island and appeared to draw inspiration from the Turkish reality show Aşk Adası.
Although the show was planned as a 100-episode series and 50 episodes had already been released, all full episodes were abruptly removed from YouTube in Pakistan. Short video clips, however, remain accessible.
AFP sought YouTube’s official position on the removal of the show for Pakistani viewers but did not receive an immediate response.
The controversy dates back to the release of the show’s trailer, after which Ayesha Omar faced intense criticism online, with some users calling the content vulgar and unethical. In her defense, she clarified that Lazawal Ishq was a Turkish production, not a Pakistani one, even though it was available to local audiences.
Previously, PEMRA confirmed that it had received numerous complaints regarding the show but stated that it does not regulate digital platforms. The authority directed complainants to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which oversees online content. To date, PTA has not issued an official statement on the blocking of the show.
This is not an isolated incident. In the past, other programs have also been removed from YouTube in Pakistan, including the drama Barzakh, which was taken down last year amid allegations of promoting homosexuality.
