Pakistani representative Roma Riaz is proudly showcasing her country’s culture at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Thailand. Recently, she faced online criticism for wearing a traditional sari, but she responded gracefully, saying that the sari is a shared cultural heritage of South Asia — not limited to any one country.
Roma Riaz will represent Pakistan at the Miss Universe global stage on November 21 in Thailand. During a recent pre-event ceremony, she wore a stunning golden sari designed by Kanwal Malik, which quickly went viral on social media. While many admired her elegant look, some questioned her choice of wearing a sari instead of a more “Pakistani” outfit.
In response, Roma shared a powerful message on Instagram. She explained that the sari belongs to no single nation — it is part of the shared South Asian heritage that existed long before modern borders. “The land where my ancestors lived is the same where the sari was born,” she wrote. “This outfit is just as Pakistani as shalwar kameez.”
Roma further highlighted that the sari has always been a part of Pakistani women’s wardrobe — seen at family weddings, cultural events, and even in classic Pakistani cinema. She said, “I don’t believe in restricting cultural heritage to borders. Fashion and culture flow freely across South Asia.”
In her Instagram post, Roma also shared old newspaper clippings from 1969, showing Pakistani women wearing saris proudly. She emphasized that the sari still represents grace, femininity, and dignity for women across the region.
When Roma appeared on the red carpet in her dazzling golden sari, she made a bold statement — the sari is a timeless dress that connects tradition and elegance. It existed long before borders and continues to symbolize identity and pride for South Asian women today.
In Pakistan, the sari has always been a symbol of sophistication and culture. From poets and artists to iconic film stars of the past, many have embraced it with pride. Roma Riaz is continuing that tradition on the global stage, showing the world that Pakistani women are confident, graceful, and proud of their roots.
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