Asks court to order measures to PEMRA, PTA and guidance to Council of Islamic Ideology
A constitutional petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court against a reality television show. Lazawāl Ishq on accusations of promoting obscene and immoral content.
The petitioner, the president of the Aman Taraqqi party, Muhammad Faiq Shah, maintains that the reality show presents content contrary to the religious values, traditions and morals of the country. It promotes obscenity and moral corruption among its young audience, the petitioner argued, prompting the court to order PEMRA [Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority] and PTA [Pakistan Telecommunication Authority] Strictly monitor “immoral” content on digital platforms.
The petitioner had further sought guidance from the court on the role of the Council of Islamic Ideology. “We support art and freedom of expression, but not moral deterioration and immodesty in the name of freedom,” the petitioner stated.
Hosted by actress Ayesha Omar, Lazawāl Ishq It is inspired by the Turkish reality show Ask Adasi. In the show, men and women live in a villa, look for a partner, and participate in challenges while forming alliances. The camera follows their every move until one couple emerges as the winner in the final.
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A teaser released last month in September attracted a divided audience, with some applauding the show and others calling for its complete boycott. Others demanded action against the channel and the producers. Responding to these calls, PEMRA clarified that it had received several complaints against the show and confirmed that the reality show was not licensed to air on television in Pakistan.
However, the authority specified that its regulation is limited to television channels while the program is broadcast on YouTube and its teasers are shared digitally.
Omar earlier defended the project, calling it groundbreaking for Urdu audiences. All the contestants are Pakistanis, he clarified, adding that the production is a mix of drama, romance and competition.
The petition, filed through Shah’s lawyer Mian Asif Mahmood, names the Federation of Pakistan, PTA, PEMRA, Council of Islamic Ideology (CCI) and the newly formed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) as respondents.
Touting the petition as the start of a “moral revolution”, the Aman Taraqqi Party has called for immediate measures to protect Pakistan’s religious and cultural identity.
