"The saree is as Pakistani as the shalwar kameez."
Roma Riaz made a striking appearance at the Moonlight Sky Gala Welcome Dinner in Phuket, wearing a silver beige saree that immediately drew attention.
Representing Pakistan at the 74th Miss Universe pageant, she chose a hand-embellished saree designed by Kanwal Malik.
While many admired her elegance, some questioned her choice of outfit, arguing that the saree is an Indian garment.
The comments quickly gained traction online, but Riaz was not one to remain silent.
Addressing the criticism, she took to Instagram to explain her decision and reclaim the saree as part of Pakistan’s shared South Asian identity.
“I’ve seen a few comments asking why I, as Miss Universe Pakistan, wore a saree. The saree isn’t owned by borders.
“It’s part of our shared heritage, woven long before the lines between us existed.
“It was born from the soil of the Indus Valley — the same land our ancestors called home.
“The saree is as Pakistani as the shalwar kameez.”
Her post struck a chord with many who believe that the saree remains deeply embedded in Pakistan’s cultural fabric.
Riaz further pointed out how the attire has remained part of Pakistani life for decades.
“The saree has been part of Pakistani wardrobes for generations, appearing everywhere from family portraits to film premieres.
“I refuse to let our heritage be rewritten or erased. I will reclaim every thread that tells our story.”
Along with her note, she shared a series of images from Pakistan’s cultural history.
This included a 1969 newspaper clipping titled ‘Pakistan women still prefer the saree to western dress’ featuring Barrister Rabia Sultan Qari.
She also shared old photographs of Nusrat Bhutto and singer Mala Begum, both remembered for their iconic saree looks.
In another post celebrating her red carpet look, Riaz elaborated on the deeper meaning behind her wardrobe choice.
She wrote: “The saree is a timeless garment that predates borders and continues to embody grace, femininity, and identity.
“In Pakistan, the saree once reigned as the attire of choice for women of culture and intellect — worn by poets, artists, and icons of the golden age of cinema.”
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She closed her message by clarifying that her decision to wear the saree was an act of homage, not imitation.
“Today, I wear this Kanwal Malik saree as a tribute to that heritage, to the elegance of Pakistani craftsmanship, the artistry of our designers, and the women who continue to redefine tradition with pride.”
Roma Riaz also thanked designer Kanwal Malik for styling her to perfection for the Kora Resort Phuket event.
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