(Web Desk Monitoring) — For the first time in Pakistan’s history, a groundbreaking matchmaking event was held in Lahore, offering unmarried young men and women the chance to meet each other in a more personal and direct setting.

This innovative event, described by some as a form of “dating,” has generated both excitement and controversy across social media platforms.

In a country where traditional arranged marriages have long been the norm, and marriage bureaus play a significant role, this event marked a notable shift toward modern approaches to finding a life partner. Organized by M+Z, a Muslim marriage app, the event allowed individuals to actively participate in the matchmaking process, breaking away from conventional practices.

The event, which saw 100 singles aged between 20 and 35 years in attendance, was a first of its kind in Pakistan. M+Z, a UK-based app popular within the Muslim community, has approximately 1.5 million users, making it one of the leading platforms in the region, second only to Morocco. Participants, including university students, had the opportunity to meet and interact with potential partners in person—a rare experience in Pakistan’s culturally conservative society.

Among the attendees was Ayman, who learned about the app through her brother in the USA. Like many others, Ayman’s family encouraged her to explore this modern avenue for finding a spouse. Male participants also shared similar stories of being introduced to the app through family connections abroad.

Despite some backlash and criticism from more traditional segments of society, the event reflects a growing trend toward personal choice in marriage within Pakistan. The M+Z app, while promoting an Islamic approach to matchmaking, aims to blend local traditions with contemporary practices, signaling a broader acceptance of love marriages in the country.