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Pakistani actress Ayesha Omar has delighted fans with a stunning new photoshoot amid the ongoing controversy surrounding her YouTube-based reality show Lazawal Ishq.

Taking to Instagram, the Bulbulay star shared a sun-drenched series of pictures, captioned, “Starting the week, keeping the sun on me and those doors closed. Protecting my energy from all the bad auras.”

Her empowering message came shortly after another playful post, in which she wrote, “Trying to soak up the sun every chance I get… Uneven tan lines, because obviously ????.”

The lighthearted caption quickly resonated with followers, who flooded the comments with heart and fire emojis, calling Ayesha a “true style icon” and applauding her confidence and charisma.

However, the timing of Ayesha’s post raised eyebrows, as it came just days after she addressed widespread criticism surrounding Lazawal Ishq. The online reality series has sparked heated debate across social media platforms.

Responding to the backlash, Ayesha shared a heartfelt message featuring her mother’s reaction to the show’s first episode. “Did my mum like the first episode? BILKULLLLLL! And her opinion and feedback matter the most to me,” she wrote.

She continued, “She thought it was so interesting and different to see and hear how young adults these days are feeling and thinking what their likes and dislikes are, what their preferences are. The interaction was healthy, she said. She’s really looking forward to following the show. And that means the world to me. It took her years to start liking Bulbulay!”

Since its debut, Lazawal Ishq has become one of Pakistan’s most talked-about digital shows. The format features eight contestants four men and four women living together in a luxury villa while participating in emotional and social tasks designed to test their compatibility.

While some viewers have praised the show for its progressive format and open discussions on modern relationships, others have criticised it as “un-Islamic” and “a copy of Western dating shows.” Soon after its premiere, hashtags like #BoycottLazawalIshq and #BoycottAyeshaOmar began trending across social media, dividing public opinion.

Despite the controversy, Ayesha has remained steadfast in defending the series. She clarified that Lazawal Ishq is not a dating show but a “journey of communication, bonding, and self-discovery.” The actress emphasised that the show’s purpose is to explore genuine emotional expression and human connection in a safe, respectful environment.

Adding to the debate, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) confirmed that since Lazawal Ishq airs exclusively on YouTube, it does not fall under its broadcast regulations. This statement effectively shields the production from potential censorship that television programs might face.

Ayesha’s poised and confident social media presence has only reinforced her image as a trailblazer in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Her approach to controversy balancing elegance with self-assurance has drawn admiration from fans and peers alike.

As Lazawal Ishq continues to trend online, discussions around the boundaries of entertainment, cultural values, and creative freedom in Pakistan show no signs of slowing down. Whether loved or criticised, Ayesha Omar’s project has undoubtedly ignited a conversation about modern storytelling in the digital age.

With her recent posts, the actress appears focused on staying grounded and positive, symbolising resilience amid scrutiny. “Keeping the sun on me and those doors closed,” as she wrote, seems to perfectly capture her current mindset radiant, self-aware, and unapologetically herself.

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