Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 09:56 pm
Dozens of unmarried youths gathered in Lahore this week in what is considered a cultural milestone within Pakistan’s highly conservative population. The event was arranged by London-based marriage app Muzz, earlier known as Muzzmatch, and was intended to allow couples who may marry each other to meet in person-a rare practice in a country where arranged marriages are traditionally the order of the day.
The Tussle Between Tradition and Modernity
So, while arranged marriages by families remain the order of the day in Pakistan, and dating apps are considered taboo, Muzz is trying to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. Following Islamic values, the app opens its use only to Muslims and allows features such as picture blurring-the option to keep chaperons overseeing the meetings for cultural sensitivity.
Events Participation and Reactions
Despite the backlash upon the apps’ release, about 100 people attended the event in Lahore. Aimen, who is 31 years old, came on the suggestion of a brother who lives in the United States. “I used the app for two weeks,” she says. “After which I saw an ad for this event and thought, why not meet in person?
Muzz was launched in the UK in 2015. Today, it boasts more than 1.5 million users in Pakistan alone-its second-biggest market after Morocco. Moaz, a 27-year-old who has been using the app for a year, says he is hopeful to find a wife through this platform. “I do get matches, but they have different priorities,” he said, adding at least he gets to know someone before their parents get involved.
Challenging Norms: Other Emerging Matchmaking Events
Another recent event, Annie’s Matchmaking Party in Lahore, used an algorithm to match up 20 young professionals. It came under online backlash after being termed a “hookup culture,” more so for Noor ul Ain Choudhary, the lady who had arranged the event. Defending her event she said, “It was meant to be a safe space where singles could meet and connect.”
Success Stories and Future Prospects
Amongst the sea of enthusiastic participants, one young enthusiast, Abdullah Ahmed, 22 years old and full of energy during his participation, claimed that he might have found his perfect match at this event organized by Muzz. “The highlight was meeting an amazing girl,” he said, adding they quickly bonded over their love for Marvel movies and are planning to see the next Deadpool & Wolverine movie together.