Ayesha Omar’s Lazawal Ishq Promo Sparks Controversy
News Desk
Islamabad: Film and TV star Ayesha Omar’s upcoming show Lazawal Ishq has gone viral on social media but not for the reasons its creators anticipated.
Marketed as Pakistan’s first love-centered reality show, the promo has sparked heated debate. While some likened it to a desi version of Love Island, others went as far as calling for a ban.
Promo sparks backlash
The teaser, posted on the show’s official Instagram, features Omar in a striking red gown as she introduces viewers to a lavish villa on Istanbul’s Bosphorus. Quick cuts reveal glimpses of contestants — mostly unfamiliar faces — gearing up to participate.
But reactions were swift and divided. One Instagram user mocked the concept as “Cupid’s Cash Grab,” while another slammed it, writing: “Have some decency. It’s one thing to sin, another to publicise it!”
On X (formerly Twitter), some even urged Pemra to ban the show outright.
Ayesha Omar responds
Not all feedback was negative. Some defended the show, pointing out that critics happily consume foreign dating shows on Netflix yet object when a local version is introduced.
Omar, however, brushed off the backlash as premature judgment. “A lot of questions will be answered once the show is out,” she told Gulf News.
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She stressed that Lazawal Ishq is neither a copy of Love Island nor simply a dating show. “The format reflects our culture, principles, and values. In our society, eternal love means marriage — and that’s exactly where this show leads,” she explained.
Turkish roots and filming
According to Omar, Lazawal Ishq is the official Urdu adaptation of a hit Turkish reality show, Aşk Adası, produced with the support of a Turkish production house.
Filming began in Istanbul about 10 days ago and will continue for another month. While Omar wasn’t part of casting, she confirmed that Pakistani contestants — both male and female — are on board.
Pemra’s clarification
After complaints poured in, Pemra clarified on Tuesday that the show does not fall under its jurisdiction since it will stream exclusively on YouTube. “Pemra rules apply only to licensed TV channels. This program is not being broadcast on any such channel,” the authority stated.
A first for Urdu audiences
Calling it “a first-of-its-kind experience for Pakistani and Urdu-speaking audiences worldwide,” Omar said the show follows a global format where couples compete, with one pair emerging as winners. “For the Urdu edition, they wanted an Urdu-speaking host — and I’m grateful I was chosen among many candidates,” she added.
With its YouTube premiere approaching, Lazawal Ishq continues to generate both anticipation and controversy.
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