The much-hyped premiere of Lazawal Ishq Episode 1 has created a storm in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Marketed as Pakistan’s first reality TV dating show, it was expected to bring a fresh format to local screens. However, instead of applause, the first episode sparked major controversy and backlash.
Hosted by popular actress Ayesha Omar, the show is filmed in a luxurious villa in Turkey. The concept revolves around eight contestants—four boys and four girls—living together in search of what the producers call “forever love.” While this might be a common format in Western reality TV, Pakistani audiences have reacted strongly against it.
Lazawal Ishq was marketed as a bold and groundbreaking reality show. The promotional teasers highlighted luxury, romance, and dramatic contestant interactions. In the very first episode, Ayesha Omar introduced the participants and initiated lighthearted conversations about love preferences and first impressions.
The aim was to capture audience curiosity by showcasing romance in an unscripted reality format. However, instead of excitement, the show’s format clashed with cultural values, leading to outrage across social media platforms.
Despite controversy, Lazawal Ishq Episode 1 managed to cross over 128,000 views within a short time of release on YouTube. Curiosity played a huge role in driving traffic, as many people tuned in to see what the show was about. However, the high viewership did not translate into appreciation.
In fact, the comments section under the first episode is filled with harsh criticism. Viewers expressed anger, disappointment, and called for a collective boycott.
The backlash was immediate and widespread. Many viewers were offended by the idea of boys and girls, who are unmarried, living under one roof for entertainment purposes.
Some of the highlighted viewer reactions include:
From negative comments to strong language against the show and its makers, the criticism reflects how deeply many Pakistanis were offended by the content.
The rejection of Lazawal Ishq Episode 1 highlights the ongoing cultural clash in the entertainment industry. While global reality shows like “Love Island” or “The Bachelor” thrive on dating formats, Pakistani society still holds conservative values when it comes to relationships.
The idea of openly discussing love, dating, and attraction on television—especially in a mixed living setup—is seen as unacceptable by many. This explains why the backlash was not just casual criticism but emotional disapproval filled with religious and cultural arguments.
Actress Ayesha Omar, known for her roles in dramas and films, took on the challenge of hosting Lazawal Ishq. She appeared confident and elegant in the first episode, introducing contestants and encouraging discussions.
However, her involvement in the project has also attracted criticism. Some fans felt disappointed seeing her as the face of such a controversial show. Others argued that she was simply doing her job and should not be blamed for the concept itself.
Lazawal Ishq introduced eight Pakistani contestants who were supposed to compete for love. Each shared personal details, preferences, and what they were looking for in a partner. While the producers aimed for diversity and relatability, most viewers dismissed the effort, labeling it “cringe” and “scripted.”
Instead of creating interest in the contestants, the format overshadowed their personalities. Viewers were more focused on criticizing the setup rather than rooting for any participant.
The first episode sets a rocky start for the show’s future. While it may continue to attract views out of curiosity, the overwhelmingly negative reception raises doubts about its long-term success.
For any reality TV show to succeed, it needs strong audience engagement and acceptance. In this case, Lazawal Ishq has managed to generate buzz but failed to win hearts. If the backlash continues, sponsors and producers may face financial and reputational risks.
The controversy surrounding Lazawal Ishq also opens a bigger debate: Is Pakistan ready for Western-style reality shows?
Local audiences have always embraced dramas, family entertainment, and cultural storytelling. But when it comes to importing formats that challenge societal norms, the reaction is often resistance. This is not the first time a bold TV concept has faced criticism in Pakistan, but the backlash against Lazawal Ishq seems particularly strong.
The launch of Lazawal Ishq Episode 1 proves that not every international format can be replicated in Pakistan. While the show tried to present itself as trendy and modern, it ignored the sensitivities of its primary audience.
The negative response should serve as a lesson for content creators: innovation in entertainment must align with cultural and social values. Otherwise, even big productions with famous faces like Ayesha Omar may struggle to gain acceptance.