Pakistani ‘Love Island’: Why viewers are criticising a show they haven’t seen yet

Islamabad: A new Pakistani dating show modelled on the global “Love Island” franchise has ignited public outrage ahead of its premiere, despite not yet airing any episodes and being exclusively available on YouTube.

The series, Lazawal Ishq (Eternal Love), hosted by actress Ayesha Omar and filmed in Istanbul, adapts the Turkish format Ask Adasi. The show brings together four Pakistani men and women in a luxury villa, where their every interaction is filmed. In Pakistan, where extra-marital relationships are illegal and public dating is culturally sensitive, the format has sparked criticism.

Why is Pakistan outraged over a YouTube show?

Last week, Omar released a teaser showing herself cruising along the Bosporus before welcoming the contestants to the villa. The promo quickly drew backlash online, with critics labeling it “un-Islamic” and accusing it of copying Western culture.

Muhammad Tahir, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), clarified that regulators have no authority over content on streaming platforms like YouTube. “It does not fall within our domain. We do not regulate YouTube, and this content is not from any television channel. The general public is not aware that YouTube lies outside our regulatory scope,” he told the Associated Press.

What can viewers expect from Lazawal Ishq?

Omar described the series to Fashion Times as “a first of its kind for Pakistani and Urdu-speaking viewers.” She said the show will feature “love, bonding, and competition,” with audiences witnessing “every spark, every fight, and every heartfelt connection.” Across 100 episodes, the eight contestants compete in challenges and form alliances until a winning couple emerges.

The show is set to debut on YouTube on September 29. No immediate comment was available from other members of the production team.