A Pakistani game show is giving away babies to unsuspecting couples. According to the Washington Times, TV show host Aamir Liaquat Hussain has launched a show called "Aman Ramazan" which has been dubbed as the Pakistani "Price Is Right."
Usually contestants walk away with the usual game show prizes like cars, appliances and dream vacations but this time they presented two childless couples with baby girls.
"I was really shocked at first. I couldn't believe we were being given this baby girl," Suriya Bliquees told CNN. "I was extremely happy."
Hussain told CNN in an interview that the game show is broadcast live during the month of Ramadan and is his way of bringing joy and happiness to people.
"At Christmas, there's Santa Claus to give everyone gifts. It's important for Christians. For us, Ramadan is a really special time, so it's really important to make people happy and reward them," the host explained.
The baby girls given to the couples were reportedly found by the Chhipa Welfare Association. The organization explained that abandoned babies are a huge problem in the country and they usually receive or find 15 abandoned babies a month.
"Our team finds babies abandoned on the street, in garbage bins - some of them dead, others mauled by animal. So why not ensure the baby is kept alive and gets a good home? Ramzan Chhipa, who runs the organization, said. "We didn't just give the baby away. We have our own vetting procedure. This couple was already with us and had four or five sessions with us."
Chippa told CNN that the couple didn't know they would be leaving with a baby that day despite many viewers saying that the whole thing was a publicity stunt. While others praised the idea of the game show trying to help solve the problem others felt it was ridiculous.
"Pakistan wake up," Shamim Mahmod wrote on NGO's Facebook page. "Babies are not trophies to be handed to just anyone."
In Pakistan adoption isn't officially recognized so the couple gifted babies will have to apply as guardianships, CNN reports. Another baby, this time a boy, is supposed to be given to another couple in a couple days.
