Roma Riaz, representing Pakistan at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, responded to criticism for wearing a saree by saying that the saree is a shared cultural heritage of South Asia and does not belong to any border.
She will represent Pakistan at the Miss Universe pageant on November 21 in Thailand.
Recently, she attended an event in Thailand wearing a beautiful silver saree designed by Kanwal Malik. Since sarees are often seen as Indian attire, some people criticized her choice.
Roma Riaz replied to the critics on Instagram and presented the saree as part of South Asia’s shared cultural heritage.
She said that the saree does not belong to any border and has existed long before borders were created.
According to her, the saree originated from the soil of the Indus Valley, the same land that her ancestors called home, and it is as Pakistani as the shalwar kameez.
Roma Riaz further said that the saree has been a part of Pakistani women’s wardrobe for generations and is seen everywhere, from family photos to film premieres.
She added that she will not let her cultural heritage disappear because of anyone’s opinion.
In her message, Roma shared visual glimpses of Pakistani culture, including a 1969 newspaper clipping noting that Pakistani women still preferred sarees over western clothing.
She also shared images of women in sarees from Urdu magazines and pictures of Nusrat Bhutto and playback singer Mala Begum, who were famous for wearing sarees.
Along with a glimpse of her red carpet look, Roma highlighted that the saree is a timeless attire that existed before borders and still symbolizes dignity, femininity, and identity. In Pakistan, sarees have always been the preferred dress of cultured and intelligent women, worn by poets, artists, and famous figures from the golden era of cinema.
She called her choice a tribute, saying she wore Kanwal Malik’s saree to honor Pakistani craftsmanship, the skill of designers, and women who proudly keep tradition alive in a modern way.