In Thailand, Roma Riaz, who is representing Pakistan at the Miss Universe 2025 global pageant, has responded to criticism over wearing a saree by clarifying that the saree is a shared cultural heritage of South Asia, belonging to no single border.
Roma Riaz is set to represent Pakistan at the Miss Universe competition scheduled to be held in Thailand on November 21. During a pre-event ceremony, she wore a stunning silver saree designed by Kanwal Malik, a renowned Pakistani designer. However, since the saree is often perceived as traditional Indian attire, some social media users criticized her choice.
In an Instagram post, Roma Riaz addressed the criticism, stating that the saree transcends borders and is deeply rooted in South Asia’s shared cultural history.
She wrote: “The saree doesn’t belong to any one nation—it’s a part of our collective heritage that existed long before borders were drawn between us.”
According to Roma, the saree originated from the soil of the Indus Valley — the very land our ancestors once called home.
She added that the saree is just as Pakistani as the shalwar kameez, and has remained a cherished part of Pakistani women’s wardrobes for generations, visible in family photographs, films, and public appearances.
“I refuse to let anyone erase our cultural identity,” she emphasized.
Roma also shared several visual references to Pakistan’s cultural past, including a 1969 newspaper clipping noting that Pakistani women continued to favor the saree over Western clothing. She also posted vintage images from Urdu magazines featuring women in sarees, along with photos of Nusrat Bhutto and playback singer Mala Begum, both known for their iconic saree looks.
Highlighting her red-carpet appearance, Roma wrote that the saree is a timeless garment symbolizing grace, femininity, and identity.
She explained that her choice of attire was a tribute to Pakistan’s craftsmanship, its talented designers, and the women who proudly keep tradition alive in modern forms.
