Dozens of young singles recently gathered in Lahore, Pakistan, for a unique matchmaking event aimed at connecting people in person, an initiative by the UK-based matrimonial app Muzz. This event marks the app’s first attempt to facilitate in-person connections in the conservative Islamic country.

Traditionally, marriages in Pakistan are arranged by parents who seek suitable matches within their communities or extended families. Dating apps are often stigmatized, and gender segregation remains prevalent in this country of 240 million people.

Muzz, formerly known as Muzzmatch, organized the Lahore event, emphasizing its adherence to Islamic etiquette. The app, which caters exclusively to Muslim users, offers features like photo blurring for specific matches and allows chaperones to supervise meetings, reflecting traditional values.

Despite previous online criticism, around 100 people attended the Muzz event, which also comes amid a rise in smaller gatherings challenging conventional matchmaking norms.

Aimen, a 31-year-old participant, chose to attend the event after using the app for two weeks on the advice of her U.S.-based brother. “I saw an ad for this event and thought, why not meet people in person?” she told Reuters. Although her mother intended to accompany her as a chaperone, she couldn’t attend due to health issues.

Since its launch 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 that he might find a wife through the app but noted that many matches have different priorities, including expectations for parental involvement early in the process. “I need to get to know someone before involving my parents,” he said.

Another recent event in Lahore, Annie’s Matchmaking Party, used an algorithm to match 20 young professionals and invited them to meet. Organizer Noor ul Ain Choudhary faced online criticism that her event promoted a “hookup culture.” She countered that the event aimed to provide a safe and structured space for singles to 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 explained.

Abdullah Ahmed, 22, expressed optimism about in-person events, noting that he felt he may have found a perfect match at the Muzz gathering. “The highlight was meeting an amazing girl,” he said, excitedly sharing that they clicked and exchanged social media handles. “We’re both Marvel fans! We’re already planning to catch the new Deadpool & Wolverine together.”