Ayesha Omar has taken to Instagram story to refute claims that the new reality series Lazawaal Ishq was banned. In a statement to fans, Omar wrote: “Please note that Lazawal Ishq has NOT been banned by any Pakistani Court and never was.” The Pakistani actress and host of the dating show added that the series is not a Pakistani show, albeit it is made for urdu-speaking audiences worldwide.
"It's an Urdu language reality show…and was never meant for any Television Channel. No Pakistani Production house was ever involved. It’s a Turkish show/production… for YouTube only.”
Omar’s post aims to correct widespread rumors in Pakistani media and social networks.
Earlier in October 2025, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had started to hear a petition that sought to ban Lazawal Ishq, for its show of so-called “obscenity” and “moral decay” in society, according to Amaan Taraqqi Party (who filed the petition), after which Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued notices to the federal government, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and other relevant authorities.
Faiq, the petitioner, also urged the court to direct PTA and PEMRA to monitor online platforms and address the role of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) in regulating digital media.
Even when the teaser was out, which showed the Karachi Se Lahore actress cruising along the Bosporus before welcoming contestants into the villa, it rapidly drew criticism online, and critics labelled the format “un-Islamic” and heavily influenced by Western culture.
As background, Lazawal Ishq, or Eternal Love, is hosted by the Bulbulay actress Ayesha Omar and filmed in Istanbul. It is adapted from the Turkish format, Aşk Adası, and is inspired by the successful “Love Island” international franchise, as it brings together four Pakistani men and women in a luxury villa where their every interaction is filmed. In Pakistan, extra-marital relationships are illegal, and there are stigmas around dating.
The show premiered on Sept. 29 on YouTube, and its first episode quickly racked up over 1.1 million views. It has now completed 43 episodes, and producers say the series will span roughly 100 episodes.