Young Pakistanis break tradition, looking for their own dating partners
Every weekend, hundreds of young people gather in Lahore, Pakistan in the hope of meeting their ideal other half.
This trend goes against the traditional norm of arranged marriages in Pakistan, where marriages are often arranged by parents. In this country of 240 million people, dating apps are still stigmatized.
The dating event in Lahore was organized by Muzz, a dating app that operates according to Islamic principles. Muzz represents the young generation’s groundbreaking attempt to break away from tradition. The app is designed specifically for Muslims and includes features like blurring images and monitoring meetings for safety.
Aimen, 31, started using Muzz at her brother’s suggestion. After just two weeks of using the app, she decided to go on a date in person. Her mother, who wanted to go with her as a guardian, was unable to attend due to health problems.
Moaz, 27, has been using dating apps for a year in hopes of finding a wife. However, many women on the app asked him to contact their parents from the beginning. “It’s not something that can happen immediately,” he said, stressing the need to get to know the woman better before making any serious moves.
Last week, another dating event called Annie’s Matchmaking Party was held, aiming to match 20 couples. Noor ul Ain Choudhary, 30, who organized the event, faced criticism from some who accused her of promoting casual dating culture. Choudhary defended her intentions, saying she simply wanted to create a safe space for singles to meet and connect.
“In Pakistan, we have two options: arranged marriages or time-consuming dating apps with no guarantees,” she said. “That’s why dating safety is a big concern.”
Abdullah Ahmed, 22, is optimistic about these live dating events, believing he will find his future partner. “I met an amazing girl,” he shared, adding that they quickly bonded and connected via social media.
“We are both Marvel fans and are planning to watch Deadpool & Wolverine together,” he said with a smile.
