The first attempt by a UK-based marriage app to assist people in finding spouses in person in the strict Islamic nation saw dozens of young singles assemble this week to meet potential marriage partners in the eastern city of Lahore, Pakistan.In Pakistan, parents usually arrange marriages for their children by searching local communities or their extended family for suitable partners. In this 240 million-person nation, dating apps are typically stigmatised, and gender segregation in the workplace and in society at large is still prevalent.

Muzz, formerly known as Muzzmatch, organised the event in Lahore and claims that the foundation of its app is Islamic decorum. Only Muslims may use the app, which honours Islamic values by allowing chaperones to supervise meetings and offering the option to blur photos save for particular matches.In an effort to subvert conventional matchmaking conventions, more modest events are starting to appear nationwide. About 100 individuals showed up for the Muzz event, despite the app having received negative feedback online in the past.
Aimen, a 31-year-old woman who did not want to be further identified, said she used the app on the recommendation of her U.S.-based brother.

"I used the app for two weeks, but then I saw an ad for this event and thought, why not meet people in person?" she told Reuters.

She said that her mother would have accompanied her as a chaperone but couldn't attend because of ill-health.Muzz, launched in 2015 in the Britain, which also has a sizeable Muslim population, has over 1.5 million users in Pakistan, its second-largest market after Morocco. 

Moaz, a 27-year-old man, said he has been using Muzz for a year and that he was hopeful of finding a wife through the app. 

"I do get matches, but they have different priorities," he said adding that girls on the app expect him to involve his parents from the beginning. 

"That is not (immediately) possible," he said, stressing the need of getting to know someone before taking the next big step. 

Annie's Matchmaking Party, another Lahore event last week, used an algorithm to match 20 young professionals after a selection process and invited them to the meet.

Noor ul Ain Choudhary, the 30-year-old organizer, faced criticism online that her event promoted a "hookup culture". She countered that it aimed to provide a safe space for singles to meet and connect.

"In Pakistan, we've had two options: biased arranged marriages or time-consuming dating apps with no guarantees. Safety during meetings is also a concern," she said.

Abdullah Ahmed, 22, was bullish about in person events and said he was convinced he may have found his perfect match at the Muzz gathering. 

"The highlight was meeting an amazing girl," he said, beaming with excitement, adding that they instantly clicked and swapped social media handles. 

"We're both Marvel fans! We're already planning to catch the new Deadpool & Wolverine together," he said.