PUBLISHED
December 07, 2025
Sometimes trivial issues often become major national fixations in our society due to a combination of political and economic instability, a weak sense of national identity, and the influence of social and cultural norms. These factors create a space where superficial concerns can overshadow more significant challenges like economic vulnerability, political corruption, and lack of educational equity.
For instance, a major discussion was sparked began in Pakistan about Lazawal Ishq, a reality show with bright visuals, bold fashion, and open conversations about dating. Many young viewers enjoy it because it depicts non-traditional ideas that are usually not shown on our TV channels. Others feel uncomfortable and believe it defies the cultural values they grew up with. What makes this debate interesting is that the show is not on national television; but on YouTube. This means it is not shown in every home, unless you go online, search for it and choose to watch it. Because of this, the question becomes even more important: if the show is optional, should it really be seen as a cultural threat?
Critics of the show argue that media strongly affects how a country sees itself. They fear that showing dating, bold fashion, and modern lifestyles might give the world a misleading picture of Pakistan. For many families, modesty and traditional values are central to life. When they see content that feels very different from these values, they worry that cultural identity is being lost. For these viewers, the concern is not just the show itself but the possibility that it may be seen as the “new normal,” even though it represents only a part of society. They feel that with globalisation and social media, traditional culture is already under pressure, and shows like Lazawal Ishq add to that pressure.
Actor Zahid Ahmed, known for speaking thoughtfully about media ethics, shares concerns that reflect this viewpoint about this specific show. He often says that entertainment content should be responsible and respectful of the society it represents. Ahmed has spoken broadly about how overly bold or sensationalised portrayals of romance can overshadow the values many people still follow. He believes that creators should be careful, because media can influence young viewers and shape public perception. Many people who disagree with Lazawal Ishq feel that Zahid Ahmed’s general comments support their worries. For them, his respectful tone acts as a reminder that creativity should go hand in hand with cultural sensitivity.
The discomfort level
Some of the discomfort around the show comes from how quickly society is changing. Older generations remember a time when Pakistani entertainment focused mostly on family values, modest characters, and traditional stories. Now, with YouTube and social media, viewers can easily access content that shows a different way of living. This sudden visibility makes many people feel that traditions are being replaced. The truth, however, is that these lifestyles existed before but they were simply less visible or they were hidden from public view. In fact, Pakistan has gone through cultural shifts before: during the 1970s, it was not unusual for women in urban centres to wear skirts, sleeveless or adopt more Western styles, and this was widely accepted. Digital platforms today are playing a similar role by exposing audiences to lifestyles that have always coexisted with traditional norms. For many conservative viewers, this visibility feels like a direct challenge to their identity, even if the content is only watched by those who seek it out.
Adding a personal perspective, contestant Hamza Abbasi shared his experience and motivations for joining Lazawal Ishq: “I’m someone who believes in authenticity, growth, and taking chances in life. When Lazawal Ishq came my way, I saw it as a platform not just for romance but for personal exploration. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and see what happens when you open your heart in such a unique environment.” He explained that his main goal was self-discovery: “More than anything, I want clarity about myself, my emotional capacity, and what I truly value in a partner. If love happens, that’s a beautiful bonus. But even if it doesn’t, I hope to leave with stronger self-awareness and meaningful connections.”
Reflecting on the show’s format, Abbasi noted, “Initially, I was curious and slightly sceptical because Pakistan has never had a show quite like this. But once I stepped in, I realised how thoughtfully the format was designed. It gives you space to be vulnerable, to reflect, and to genuinely connect. So far, the journey has been intense, surprising, and honestly more emotional than I expected.”
Addressing critics, he added, “I respect people’s beliefs and concerns. But I think intentions matter. Lazawal Ishq isn’t promoting anything immoral; it’s simply giving people a chance to explore compatibility in a controlled, respectful environment. Values evolve, conversations evolve, and I believe the show reflects that cultural and generational shift thoughtfully rather than recklessly.” He also shared how the experience has impacted him personally: “I’ve learned that I’m more emotional than I realised but also stronger. I’ve discovered that communication and emotional honesty matter to me more than I thought. And I’ve realised that the right connection makes you feel safe, not confused.”
On the other hand, many supporters of Lazawal Ishq argue that Pakistan is far too diverse to be represented by a single cultural image. They point out that millions of Pakistanis, especially in big cities, date, socialize openly, and dress differently from traditional norms. These people exist, whether or not everyone agrees with their choices, and supporters believe that they also deserve to be represented in media. For them, the show is not about rejecting tradition; it is about making space for different kinds of stories. They also emphasise that the show is on YouTube, meaning people only watch it if they want to. It does not appear on national TV, in school classrooms, or in homes without permission. Because of this, it should not be treated as a cultural threat. This highlights that the controversies around Lazawal Ishq may not reflect broader societal realities, since personal choices often differ from public perceptions. Some reports even claim that Pakistan ranked 7th globally in consumption of grown-up content in 2023.
Supporters also reject the idea that showing a lifestyle on screen encourages everyone to adopt it. They point out that Pakistani audiences regularly watch American, Indian, Turkish, and Korean content without copying everything they see. People can think for themselves. Watching something does not mean agreeing with it. Lazawal Ishq simply shows one type of Pakistani experience, not the only one. They warn that if media avoids all content that challenges tradition, then storytelling will become repetitive and unrealistic. A healthy creative industry needs variety, not uniformity.
Why calls for a ban concerns many
Some critics want Lazawal Ishq banned or removed from YouTube. Specific people see this as a dangerous idea. They argue that once a society starts banning content because a group dislikes it, creative freedom becomes limited for everyone. Today it may be a modern show; tomorrow it could be something more traditional. Pakistan has a history of censorship, and many worry that banning a show sets a bad example for the future. They insist that banning is unnecessary because the show is not broadcast into homes automatically. No one is forced to watch it. People can choose not to click, just as others can choose to enjoy it.
The bigger issue
The debate over Lazawal Ishq reflects a larger discussion happening across Pakistan. The country has always been a mix of cultures — rural and urban, conservative and liberal, religious and secular, traditional and modern. Today’s generation has grown up with smartphones, global media, and changing social norms. Older generations often feel left behind. These differences create tension, but they also show how alive and dynamic Pakistani culture really is. Zahid Ahmed’s views highlight the importance of responsibility, while supporters highlight the importance of representation. Both sides have valid points. Culture needs roots, but it also needs room to grow.
YouTube and personal responsibility
One of the most important facts in this debate is that the show is on YouTube which makes it a choice, not something that runs on the TV in your lounge. It cannot be watched unless someone chooses to watch it and it is certainly not replacing traditional entertainment. In other words, the audience is in full control. This makes calls for censorship even more questionable. Instead of banning, viewers have the option to simply avoid the show if it does not match their values.
More than one way to be Pakistani
The debate around Lazawal Ishq is not truly about the show; it is about identity. It raises important questions: Who defines culture? Who gets to be seen? How much diversity can be allowed in public spaces? Critics worry about losing tradition. Supporters worry about losing expression. But Pakistan has never been a one-dimensional country. It is a mix of languages, lifestyles, beliefs, and experiences. Culture is strong enough to handle variety. People’s general reminders about responsibility are valuable. So is the reminder that modern voices deserve space too. Since the show is on YouTube and watched by choice, it should not be treated as a cultural danger. Instead, it should be seen as part of a larger conversation about who Pakistanis are today. Pakistan is not one story. It is many stories and there is room for all of them.
All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer
Rabia Khan is writer who covers social issues, literature, and cultural values of Pakistan. She can be reached at rabiayousufzai26@gmail.com
