Saree Debate: Miss Universe Contestant Defends Pakistani Heritage!

Today is November 11th, 2025

Date: 11/11/2025 – Source 1 (https://dunyanews.tv/amp/english/917125.php):
– Roma Riaz performed at the Moonlight Sky Gala Welcome Dinner in Phuket, Thailand.
– She wore a silver beige saree that was hand embellished by Kanwal Malik.
– Riaz represents Pakistan at the 74th Miss Universe pageant.
– Her outfit choice was criticized by some as the saree is considered an Indian garment.
– Riaz responded to the criticism via Instagram, stating that the saree is part of the common South Asian identity.
– She emphasizes that the saree is not defined by boundaries and is part of the common heritage.
– Riaz pointed out that the saree has been a part of the Pakistani wardrobe for generations.
– She shared historical pictures and a newspaper article from 1969 showing that Pakistani women preferred the saree.
– Riaz highlighted that the saree was worn by cultural figures and icons of Pakistan’s history.
– She explained that her decision to wear the saree was a tribute and not an imitation.

Source 2 (https://www.indianweddingsaree.com/sarees):
– The saree is a traditional Indian garment with a history spanning over 5,000 years, starting in the Indus Valley Civilization.
– There are various draping techniques including Nivi style, Bengali and Nauvari which reflect cultural differences.
– Sarees are versatile and combine modern fashion with traditional elegance, suitable for formal occasions, everyday wear and festivals.
– The collection includes a variety of designs, colors and fabrics that are relevant to every woman.
– Special occasions require special sarees such as:
– Pastel colored sarees for an elegant look.
– Red chiffon sarees for festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Karwa Chauth.
– Modern printed sarees for daily wear.
– Wedding and party sarees that are the center of attention.
– The collection includes different styles:
– Silk blends and rayon for affordable luxury.
– Lehenga style sarees that offer a modern take on classic draping.
– Half and half sarees in contrasting colors.
– Organza silk sarees for a special elegance.
– Each piece is carefully selected and offers not only beauty but also confidence and grace.
– The sarees are made from high quality fabrics with intricate details including zari work, sequins and embroidery.
– 1500+ exclusive saree designs are available.
– The collection offers a selection for every festival, celebration or ceremony.
– There is a “Ready-To-Ship” collection for fast delivery.
– Saree Care Instructions:
– Cotton/Linen: Hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle.
– Silk/Banarasi: Dry clean only.
– Georgette/Chiffon: Mild detergent or dry clean.
– Standard length of a saree is 5.5 to 6.5 meters, plus 0.8 meters for the blouse piece.

Source 3 (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sari_(Clothing)):
– The sari is an unstitched wrap skirt with a one-sided shoulder cover for women, native to South Asia.
– It is commonly worn in everyday life in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and some areas of Pakistan.
– There are different ways to wear a sari, which vary depending on the culture.
– In Gujarat, the end of the saree is worn at the front, not at the back.
– The sari consists of a 0.80-1.20 m wide and 5-6 m long, woven rectangular cloth, which often has a decorative border.
– The sari can be divided into three zones: paluv (shoulder piece), body (skirt) and decorative border on the hem.
– In the past, the sari was the only piece of clothing for women, but today a petticoat and a choli (midriff-baring bodice) are often worn underneath.
– The choli is a modern tradition that may have originated from Arabic and European influences.
– In festive saris, the choli is often reduced in size or replaced with a bra.
– Traditionally, saris are made from cotton, while festive saris are also made from silk.
– Silk saris are more expensive and are mostly worn by wealthy women.
– Nowadays, saris are often mass-produced from a blend of polyester and cotton/silk.
– The oldest depictions of saris with shoulder wraps come from miniature paintings of the pre-Mughal and Mughal periods.