The Islamabad High Court has issued a stay order halting the broadcast of Lazawal Ishq, Pakistan’s first dating reality show, after petitions were filed challenging its content on moral and cultural grounds. The court’s decision came in response to widespread criticism from citizens and religious groups who argued that the show violated social norms and promoted indecency.
The petitions claimed that Lazawal Ishq undermined the country’s traditional values and was incompatible with Pakistan’s cultural and religious framework. In its order, the court directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to immediately suspend the program’s airing until a full review of its content is completed.
The show, which aimed to explore modern relationships through televised interactions between contestants, had gained significant attention for its bold format — a first of its kind in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. However, it quickly became controversial, with critics accusing it of crossing ethical boundaries, while supporters defended it as an expression of creative freedom and a step toward progressive media representation.
The Islamabad High Court’s intervention has reignited a national debate about where to draw the line between artistic liberty and cultural sensitivity in Pakistani media. Further hearings are expected to determine whether Lazawal Ishq will be allowed to resume broadcasting after regulatory review.