In Pakistan, marriages are traditionally arranged by parents within their communities or extended family. The country, with its population of 240 million, often upholds gender segregation both socially and in the workplace. Dating apps have been met with skepticism, but recent events indicate a shift towards blending traditional values with modern matchmaking methods.

A recent event in Lahore, organized by Muzz (formerly Muzzmatch), highlights this evolution. Muzz, which adheres to Islamic principles, caters exclusively to Muslim users. The app allows for picture blurring and permits chaperones to oversee meetings, maintaining a balance between modern technology and traditional practices.

Despite facing some online criticism, the Muzz event attracted around 100 attendees. Aimen, a 31-year-old participant, shared that she decided to attend the event after using the app for two weeks, encouraged by her brother in the U.S. Although her mother was unable to join her as a chaperone due to health issues, Aimen embraced the opportunity to meet potential matches in person.

Launched in Britain in 2015, Muzz has grown to over 1.5 million users in Pakistan, its second-largest market after Morocco. Moaz, a 27-year-old user, expressed hope in finding a wife through the app, though he noted that matches often have different expectations, such as involving parents early in the process.

Another recent Lahore event, Annie's Matchmaking Party, utilized an algorithm to match 20 young professionals. Organizer Noor ul Ain Choudhary faced criticism for potentially promoting a "hookup culture" but defended the event as a safe space for singles to connect, addressing concerns about the limitations of arranged marriages and traditional dating apps.

Abdullah Ahmed, 22, attended the Muzz event with optimism and felt he might have found a potential partner. He expressed excitement about meeting someone who shares his interests, such as Marvel movies, and looked forward to future plans together.

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