Is this one of the changing face of culture and trends in Pakistan?

Pakistan TV's matchmaking show a big hit


REJECTING arranged marriages, many young Pakistanis, even those from conservative middle-class Muslim families, are pursuing potential spouses through internet chat rooms and dating agencies.
A television channel has even started a new trend by setting up meetings between eligible single men and women. Shaadi Online (Marriage Online), which bears more than a passing resemblance to ITV’s Blind Date, is broadcast on GEO, Pakistan’s largest private network, and brings prospective partners together.

The weekly show, which draws millions of prime-time viewers, follows a simple pattern. Seated on a dais decorated with bunting and flowers, three men or women candidates are invited to talk about themselves — about their financial position and family background or what they are looking for in a partner.

Most of the candidates are looking for someone educated and broadminded. Some prefer more traditional types. Farrah Deeba, a Karachi-based young college graduate who works with an advertising company, wants a husband who is financially sound, handsome and comes from an educated family background.

Miss Deeba, who appeared on the show at the weekend, said: “I am a very sensitive and romantic person and want a partner who does not object to my working.”

At the end of the show, presenters ask the participants their reason for wanting to marry outside the family or clan. Viewers are given e-mail addresses and phone numbers so that suitors or their parents can contact candidates directly. Syed Sami Hussain, the programme’s director, said: “We also help facilitate meetings.”

Naveed Anjum and his sisters, Margaret Sultana and Suzanne Uzma, who belong to a Roman Catholic family, took part in the show together.

“Although finding a suitable match from within our extended family may not be so difficult, we thought it would be wise to present ourselves before the entire Catholic community in the country,” he said.

Since finding a right match is a huge problem — particularly for women — the show has become an instant hit. The organisers are being flooded with requests for appearances