ISLAMABAD: A constitutional petition has been filed before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking action against the reality TV show Lāzawāl Ishq, accusing it of promoting immoral and obscene content that undermines Pakistan's religious and cultural values.
The petition, submitted by Aman Taraqqi Party Chairperson Muhammad Faiq Shah through his counsel Advocate Mian Asif Mahmood, names the Federation of Pakistan, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) as respondents.
Shah contends that *Lāzawāl Ishq* runs contrary to the country’s religio-social traditions and morality, alleging it encourages obscenity and corrupts the minds of young viewers. The petitioner urged the court to direct PEMRA and PTA to monitor and restrict the spread of such "immoral" content on digital platforms.
Hosted by actor Ayesha Omar, *Lāzawāl Ishq* is modelled after the Turkish reality show *Ask Adasi*. It features Pakistani men and women living together in a villa, forming romantic connections and participating in challenges, all filmed continuously until one couple wins in the finale.
A teaser released in September sparked mixed reactions, with some viewers praising the show as innovative while others demanded a complete boycott. PEMRA responded to public outcry by confirming that the programme had not been licensed for television broadcast in Pakistan. However, it clarified that since the show airs on YouTube and social media, its jurisdiction does not extend to digital platforms.
The petitioner also requested the court to clarify the role of the Council of Islamic Ideology in guiding media ethics, stating, “We support art and freedom of expression, but not moral decline and immodesty in the name of freedom.”
Omar has defended the project, describing it as a groundbreaking blend of drama, romance, and competition for Urdu-speaking audiences. All participants, she confirmed, are Pakistani nationals.
The Aman Taraqqi Party has dubbed the legal move a “moral revolution,” demanding swift action to protect Pakistan’s religious and cultural identity in the digital era.
