Ayesha Omar has strongly refuted claims circulating across Pakistani media and social platforms that her new reality series Lazawaal Ishq has been banned. In a clear and firm Instagram statement, the actress clarified that no Pakistani court has ever issued a ban on the show.
Omar wrote that Lazawaal Ishq “has NOT been banned by any Pakistani Court and never was,” underscoring that misinformation had been spreading for weeks. She further explained that the series is not a Pakistani production and was never intended for Pakistani television channels.
The actress stated that the show is produced entirely in Turkey. “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,” she said. Her comments aim to correct misleading reports that suggested the series was facing legal action or regulatory intervention in Pakistan.
The controversy began earlier in October 2025, when the Islamabad High Court admitted a petition seeking a ban on Lazawaal Ishq. The petitioner, associated with the Amaan Taraqqi Party, alleged that the show promoted “obscenity” and contributed to “moral decay.” Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir subsequently issued notices to the federal government, PEMRA, PTA, and other authorities to respond.
The petition also urged tighter monitoring of digital platforms and asked for clarity on the Council of Islamic Ideology’s role in overseeing online entertainment content. The case stirred debate, particularly on social media, where the show’s teaser was already drawing controversy.
Lazawaal Ishq, known internationally as Eternal Love, is hosted by Ayesha Omar and filmed in Istanbul. Adapted from the Turkish format Aşk Adası and inspired by the global Love Island franchise, the show places four Pakistani men and four Pakistani women in a luxury villa where their interactions are continuously recorded. The format, which centers on matchmaking, dating and relationship-building, immediately sparked mixed reactions in Pakistan due to cultural and legal sensitivities surrounding dating and cohabitation.
Despite the criticism, the show’s launch proved successful. Premiering on YouTube on September 29, the first episode crossed 1.1 million views within days, and the series has now aired 43 episodes. Producers indicate that Lazawaal Ishq is planned as a 100-episode season, targeting Urdu-speaking audiences worldwide.
Ayesha Omar’s latest statement aims to put the record straight: the show remains available, streaming uninterrupted, and has not been banned in Pakistan by any legal body.
