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Tag: Ayesha Omar

  • Lazawal Ishq unavailable on YouTube in Pakistan after complaints

    Lazawal Ishq unavailable on YouTube in Pakistan after complaints

    Full episodes of the reality show Lazawal Ishq can no longer be accessed on YouTube in Pakistan. The programme’s team said in a statement that the show might not be viewable in the country “due to political reasons.”

    The team posted on Instagram that viewers in Pakistan could still watch the show using virtual private networks (VPNs). “Due to political reasons, our show may not be accessible in Pakistan,” it said.


    Hosted by actress Ayesha Omar, the show has been described by its creators as the first Urdu reality series centered on love. It features eight participants from Pakistan who live together in a villa in Istanbul.


    The show’s format resembles international dating programmes such as Love Island, where participants form connections and explore compatibility over the course of the season. Lazawal Ishq is adapted from the Turkish reality show Aşk Adasi.

    Before its removal in Pakistan, 50 episodes were released on YouTube. While clips remain available on the channel, full episodes cannot be accessed locally. The show continues to be available in other countries. YouTube did not respond to AFP requests for comment on why the content was restricted.


    The trailer begins with Omar entering the villa and introducing the contestants, who are expected to form relationships throughout the show’s planned 100 episodes. After its release, Omar faced criticism online, with some users claiming the show “promotes obscene and unethical content.”

    Omar responded on Instagram, writing: “This is not a Pakistani show it is a Turkish production, but naturally, people in Pakistan can watch it.”

    Despite the backlash, the show gained attention on social media, with its first trailer receiving over two million views. Conversations online highlighted differences in perspectives between younger viewers and more conservative audiences in Pakistan regarding dating and representation.

    A petition was filed with the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), requesting a ban. The petition argued that the show went against “Pakistan’s religious and social values by showing unmarried men and women living together.”

    Pemra confirmed it had received “numerous complaints” but stated it does not have authority over digital platforms. The regulator suggested approaching the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, which oversees online content. The PTA did not respond to requests for comment.

    This is not the first instance of content being restricted on YouTube in Pakistan. Last year, the drama Barzakh was removed following complaints that it promoted LGBTQ relationships.

  • ‘It’s not about clothes’: Ayesha Omar lashes out after burka-clad woman harassed in Sheikhupura

    ‘It’s not about clothes’: Ayesha Omar lashes out after burka-clad woman harassed in Sheikhupura

    Ayesha Omar has always been outspoken on misogyny and victim-blaming. The beloved Bulbulay star reignited the debate over victim-blaming and harassment after a shocking incident in Sheikhupura, where a burka-clad school teacher was harassed on the street by a man.

     

    Disturbing CCTV footage of the incident has once again laid bare the pervasive nature of harassment that women face, regardless of what they wear.

     

    Taking to Instagram Stories, Omar addressed the moral policing often directed at women for their choice of clothing. “So it is really not clothes, is it? It’s just our existence. And their lack of control,” she wrote, highlighting how harassment stems not from attire but from deep-rooted misogyny and a lack of accountability.

     

    The incident occurred in Sheikhupura, Punjab, where CCTV footage showed a man walking closely behind a woman in a full burka before moving beside her and touching her inappropriately. The woman was left visibly shocked, while the suspect fled the scene immediately after the assault.

     

    The Punjab Police swiftly identified and arrested the suspect, earning public praise for their prompt action.

     

    The case has since sparked widespread outrage, with many social media users echoing Ayesha Omar’s sentiment that harassment is a reflection of the perpetrator’s mindset, not the victim’s clothing or behavior.

     

    Women in Pakistan continue to face harassment in public spaces, irrespective of how they dress or where they are.

  • Petition in Islamabad High Court seeks action against ‘Lazawal Ishq’

    Petition in Islamabad High Court seeks action against ‘Lazawal Ishq’

    A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the controversial reality TV show Lazawal Ishq, accusing it of airing inappropriate content.

    Chairman of the Aman Taraqqi Party, Muhammad Faiq, filed the petition, stating that the show Lazawal Ishq is promoting content that goes against the country’s religious and social values.

    The petition requests the court to direct the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to strictly monitor such indecent content on digital platforms. It also seeks the court’s guidance regarding the role of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).

    Lazawal Ishq, hosted by Ayesha Omar, is based on the Turkish reality show Ask Odasi. The program features men and women living together in a villa, forming relationships, participating in games, while cameras record their interactions. Eventually, one couple emerges as the winner.

    After the release of the show’s teaser last month, backlash emerged swift and harsh. Some users called it a bold move for Pakistan’s entertainment industry, while others demanded a complete boycott and action against the producers.

    Some users referred to it as a dating show, but the Bulbulay actress clarified that it is not.

    PEMRA confirmed that it had received numerous complaints regarding the show. However, Lazawal Ishq has not been issued a license for television broadcasting in Pakistan. PEMRA clarified that its regulatory authority is limited to licensed channels, while the show is being aired on YouTube and other digital platforms.

    The show has released 13 episodes so far and, despite the criticism, it has also garnered millions of views.

  • Controversial new reality show Lazawal Ishq premieres amid backlash and buzz

    Controversial new reality show Lazawal Ishq premieres amid backlash and buzz

    The much-anticipated and arguably controversial Pakistani reality show Lazawal Ishq has officially premiered on YouTube.

    Despite intense backlash and criticism on social media, the show has sparked widespread buzz for bringing a bold new format to Pakistani screens.

    Set against the backdrop of a grand mansion with picturesque landscapes, a shining pool and a heavy dose of glitz and glam, Lazawaal Ishq has been shot at a scenic location Turkiye and blends elements of reality TV as well as matchmaking.

    Aiming to explore emotional connections and relationship compatibility among young adults, the format includes several stages from glamorous first impressions and introductions to partner selection and dramatic interactions.

    All of it is guided by the show’s host and popular actress Ayesha Omar, who appears in full red-carpet glam, donning a striking red gown for the first episode.

    The episode features ten contestants: five girls — Jannat, Urooj, Laiba, Batool and Fatima — and five boys, namely Hamza, Sheeraz, Fahad, Maaz and Junaid. Pairings were made based on mutual preferences following the boys’ entrance.

    Urooj, one of the participants, made it clear from the beginning that she’s looking for a real connection and potentially a life partner, echoing the show’s core concept.

    Ayesha Omar, sharing a clip from the episode on Instagram, revealed that her mother appreciated the show’s unique premise. “Did my mum like the first episode? BILKULLLLLL!” she wrote, adding that her mother found it interesting and insightful to see how modern youth express themselves.

    “The interaction was healthy, she said… she’s really looking forward to following the show.”

    The episode marks Ayesha’s first interaction with the participants of Lazawaal Ishq, and she has expressed admiration for them. During the episode, Ayesha also admitted she’s open to marriage herself and encouraged participants to embrace the journey with fun and honesty, even if it includes “some mistakes”.

    However, not everyone is impressed.

    From the moment the show’s promo dropped, Lazawaal Ishq has faced harsh criticism, with many calling it “un-Islamic” and a copy of Western dating shows. Hashtags like #BoycottLazawalIshq and #BoycottAyeshaOmar began trending soon after the premiere.

    While some viewers have praised the fresh concept and the show’s attempt to reflect the emotional complexities of today’s youth.

    The actress has already addressed the backlash, saying that it is not a “dating show”.

    As a debate continues to rage online, one thing is clear, Lazawaal Ishq is already one of the most talked-about shows in the country. Evidently so, it has racked up over 200,000 views within 24 hours of the first episode dropping.

    Watch here: Episode One.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Ayesha Omar says Lazawal Ishq ‘is not a dating show’

    EXCLUSIVE: Ayesha Omar says Lazawal Ishq ‘is not a dating show’

    Pakistani actress and model Ayesha Omar has firmly denied reports that her upcoming Urdu-language reality programme Lazawal Ishq is a dating show. 

    In an exclusive conversation with The Current, Omar addressed the growing controversy and backlash surrounding the show’s concept, particularly on social media, and clarified that the show’s intention had been misrepresented by several media outlets.

    “Some news outlets are claiming that I said it is a Pakistani dating show but that’s not true. Not once did I say it is a dating show,” Ayesha said, emphasising that the show was not inspired by Western dating formats such as Love Island.

    She clarified that it was centered on meaningful communication and long-term relationship building aimed at marriage. “Yes, the promo has been getting all kinds of feedback and speculation. [But] it is not a dating show at all. It is not about dating… it is about finding a life partner for marriage.”

    Omar elaborated that while the format involved participants living in a villa, the setup respected cultural values with gender-segregated floors and separate dorms.

    “It is a Turkish show, but as it is in Urdu language and for our audiences, it is in accordance with our norms, values and culture. These young adults are living in a villa but they will be having their own living spaces… they have their own dorms. A floor for girls is separate while a separate floor is assigned to the boys. They also have their own dressing spaces. Only the lounge, kitchen and the poolside are shared and that is where they will interact with each other.”

    Omar also pointed out that similar formats have aired on Pakistani television before where young adults live in the same premises but maintain separate sleeping arrangements, and described Lazawal Ishq as an insightful social experiment focused on communication.

    She said the show would revolve around interaction and verbal communication just like people get into at colleges, universities, parks or theaters. “Only this kind of interaction is being shown and actually, this is a very good experiment. This is an overview of how young people communicate, what mistakes they make or how they rectify them.”

    On the format, she further said that no pre-decided couples were involved and relationships would form naturally as participants get to know each other with the ultimate goal being marriage.

    “Couples are not already made by us. Those who are participating, after knowing each other through communication, will get into dedicated relationships for marriage and that is the premise of the show. The games they will be playing will be based on communication,” she said, adding that the show could serve as a valuable learning experience for young people in Pakistan.

    Omar’s clarification comes after the show’s teaser revealed that Lazawal Ishq will feature four men and four women living together in a luxurious villa in Turkey, with their interactions, conflicts and emotional growth being recorded. She was seen in the teaser enjoying the scenic views and entering a lavish bungalow, describing the show as a search for eternal love and a reflection of emotional trials.

    Lazawal Ishq will stream exclusively on YouTube and not be broadcast on traditional television. It is expected to run for approximately 100 episodes, featuring challenges, games, alliances and conflicts, ultimately leading to the selection of a “winning couple”.

    The airing date is yet to be announced.

  • Ayesha Omar’s dating show triggers boycott campaign, PEMRA responds

    Ayesha Omar’s dating show triggers boycott campaign, PEMRA responds

    Actor Ayesha Omar’s dating reality show titled Lazawal Ishq has come under heavy fire on social media following the release of its first teaser. The teaser sparked widespread criticism, with users launching boycott campaigns and urging the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to impose a ban.

    In response to the public backlash, PEMRA issued a clarification stating that the show is being streamed exclusively on social media platforms and does not fall under PEMRA’s regulatory domain.

    The teaser revealed that Lazawal Ishq will feature four men and four women living together in a luxurious villa, with all their activities being recorded. Ayesha Omar, seen in the teaser enjoying scenic views and entering a lavish bungalow in Turkey, explained that the show revolves around the search for eternal love and the emotional trials that come with it.

    Inspired by the popular Turkish reality series Aşk Adası (Love Island), Lazawal Ishq aims to introduce the dating competition genre to Urdu-speaking audiences for the first time. The format is reminiscent of Western shows like Love Island and Too Hot to Handle.

    The show, which will air exclusively on YouTube, is expected to run for approximately 100 episodes. Contestants will face a variety of games, challenges, alliances, and conflicts, culminating in the selection of a “winning couple.”

    However, the format has stirred intense debate online. Some social media users have labeled the show as “immoral” and have demanded a boycott, while others have appealed to PEMRA to take action against it. But there are a few who are also rooting for the show.

    Internet personality Qaiser Ahmed Raja had also taken to his X account to ask for a boycott of the show, calling it “immoral online content”. He has also written an application to the chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to stop the show from getting aired.

    Addressing the controversy on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, PEMRA clarified that despite receiving public complaints, the show does not fall within its scope of authority as it is not broadcast on any licensed television channel, but only on digital platforms. Therefore, PEMRA regulations do not apply.

  • Internet divided as Ayesha Omar announces hosting Pakistan’s first-ever dating show

    Internet divided as Ayesha Omar announces hosting Pakistan’s first-ever dating show

    Pakistani actor Ayesha Omar is stepping into a new venture as the host of Lazawal Ishq, a new Urdu-language dating reality show that has quickly ignited conversation and controversy across social media.

    Inspired by the hit Turkish reality series Aşk Adası, Lazawal Ishq brings the dating competition genre to Urdu-speaking audiences for the very first time.

    Set against the scenic backdrop of Istanbul’s Bosphorus, the show promises drama, romance and rivalry as eight contestants, four men and four women, live together in a lavish villa, all in search of “eternal love”.

    In a teaser shared on her Instagram, Omar teased fans with scenic shots from Turkey, including boat rides and glimpses inside the luxurious villa. “Lazawal Ishq shuroo ho raha hai. A reality show about finding eternal love, and the trials and lessons leading up to it,” she captioned the post.

    The show, set to stream exclusively on YouTube, is expected to run for nearly 100 episodes. Contestants will face emotional and strategic challenges with a winning couple crowned by the finale.

    The show’s format is similar to Western series like Love Island and Too Hot to Handle, and has drawn mixed reactions online. While some fans and industry peers, including actor Azfar Rehman, expressed excitement and support, others criticised the premise and presentation.

    “Looks gold,” Rehman commented on the teaser. In contrast, dissenting voices labeled it “beghairti [shamelessness]”, questioning its cultural relevance and criticising the contestants’ attire.

    “Let’s boycott and raise our voice before this begharati starts,” one user wrote. Another remarked, “Who will watch such a show with family?”

    Despite the backlash, many viewers see Lazawal Ishq as a bold step forward in diversifying Pakistani entertainment and exploring new formats.

  • Ayesha Omar started working at THIS young age

    Ayesha Omar started working at THIS young age

     Imagine being just eight-years-old and stepping into the world of television. That was actress Ayesha Omar’s reality, long before she became the household name we know today.

    Appearing in a recent podcast, the Taxali Gate actress revealed that, at age eight, she began co-hosting on Pakistan Television (PTV).

     The Bulbulay star shared that she co- hosted a show alongside the popular TV host, Muneeza Hashmi, who was also the managing director (MD) of PTV at the time. Muneeza had started a program featuring interviews with famous personalities, and Ayesha was included as a co- host.

     Ayesha recalled, “I started my hosting career with Muneeza Hashmi, who was the MD of PTV back then, and we did a show where celebrities shared their childhood stories.”

    Ayesha Omar also recalled interviewing well-known figures, such as Javed Miandad and Adnan Sami Khan, and how the program often featured light-hearted discussions about childhood memories from the celebrities’ lives.

    The Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat actress mentioned that the questions she asked in the show were genuine and childlike, often reflecting her own curiosity. 

    Ayesha Omar said, “The questions I asked were real questions I wanted to know as a child.”

    Earlier, actress and singer Ayesha Omar was a guest on UrduFlix’s “The Shoaib Akhtar Show” where she offered advice to young women who wanted to form a career in the entertainment industry.

    Omar stressed that the most essential tip for women to remember is that if they’ve shifted to a new city, it is safer to live in an apartment building rather than a house:


    “I was just giving this advice to a girl who had shifted to Karachi and was an actor. She was terrified because someone had smashed the windows of her car outside her house. I told her it’s essential that if she’s living alone, she lives in an apartment rather than a house. This is for all women who are divorced, or moving out of their parents homes and want to live independently, it’s the safest thing for them to live in apartment buildings. Given the realities of this country, we have to adjust to it. You can’t change them. You have to be careful, you can’t fight everything.”

    The second tip Omar revealed was to learn to be independent, and stop relying on other people to complete your tasks:

    “Take care of your health and your expenses on your own. You cannot expect that you’ll find help out there. It’s your body and your life so take care of it. I take care of my own food, clothes and makeup wherever I go, and there is a lot of joy in doing so. You’re less stressed out as well… I’ve learned that if there are 20 people whom you keep requesting to do your work, those 20 people won’t do it. So you must conserve your energy and do things on your own.”

    Sanam Jung was also a guest alongside Omar, and she also told aspiring actors to remember not to reveal your personal struggles to people in the industry.


    “Never share your home issues or financial problems with anyone in the industry, because they take advantage and they will take you for granted.They will know how desperate you are for work, so they’ll call you at inappropriate hours,” she said.

  • Is Ayesha Omar leaving Pakistan?

    Is Ayesha Omar leaving Pakistan?

    Superstar Ayesha Omar has said that she thinks about leaving Pakistan because she doesn’t feel secure due to the current economic situation and concerns about women’s safety.


    During a podcast, she shared her feelings, saying, “I want to walk on the road and enjoy fresh air, but I can’t. I want to cycle, but why can’t I do it?” She mentioned feeling stressed and anxious in Karachi, not feeling safe, which she believes is a common feeling among many women.
    Ayesha wants to be able to walk on the streets and enjoy fresh air without feeling anxious or stressed. She pointed out that men might not fully understand the fears and challenges faced by women in Pakistan. Despite her love for the country, she feels frustrated about the lack of freedom and safety.
    She mentioned her love for Pakistan, acknowledging that the country has given her everything. “I love the land, and if I had the choice to live anywhere in the world, I would choose Pakistan.”
    It’s a tough situation, but she’s not alone in her feelings. Her brother has already moved abroad, and her mother is also planning to leave.

  • Ayesha Omar shines in ‘Dhai Chaal’; Brace yourself for an exciting espionage thriller

    Ayesha Omar shines in ‘Dhai Chaal’; Brace yourself for an exciting espionage thriller

    Ayesha Omar is all set to sparkle in the film ‘Dhai Chaal’ where she’s taking on the role of a high-profile journalist unraveling the story of Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadav’s conviction in Pakistan. Ayesha’s versatility and enthusiasm for the project shine through while she got to experience working in Quetta.

    The film’s producer, Dr. Irfan, played a crucial role in convincing Ayesha to embrace the character, and she saw working with a new team as an exhilarating adventure.

    On X (formerly Twitter) there is a tweet urging Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar to watch ‘Dhai Chaal’ as it counters Indian-sponsored terrorism in Balochistan. It’s great to see independent productions shedding light on untold stories.