A high-profile Pakistani wedding has ignited a fiery debate that’s dividing opinions across the nation—and it’s not about politics, for once. Shanzay Ali Rohail, the granddaughter-in-law of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has found herself at the center of a cultural storm after choosing Indian designers Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Tarun Tahiliani for her wedding festivities. But here’s where it gets controversial: in a country where patriotism and support for local talent are at an all-time high, her decision has left many questioning whether fashion should transcend borders—or stay firmly rooted in national pride.
The lavish wedding of Junaid Safdar, grandson of Nawaz Sharif and son of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, to Shanzay Ali Rohail, granddaughter of senior politician Sheikh Rohail Asghar, was nothing short of a spectacle. Held at the Sharif family’s Jati Umra residence in Lahore, the celebrations were attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. For her mehndi ceremony, Shanzay donned an emerald green lehenga by Sabyasachi, complete with the designer’s signature heritage-inspired details, contrasting color panels, and a rich golden border. The look was paired with forest green and rose-colored dupattas, creating a stunning ensemble that quickly went viral on social media.
The Nikah ceremony, which followed on Saturday, saw the bride in a red saree by Tarun Tahiliani, another Indian design heavyweight. While the outfits were undeniably breathtaking, they sparked a heated debate: Why choose Indian designers for a wedding deeply rooted in Pakistani politics?
Critics were quick to point out that Pakistan boasts its own array of world-class designers, including HSY, Nomi Ansari, Khadijah Shah, and Zara Shahjahan, among others. One social media user lamented, ‘With so much local talent, it’s a shame they didn’t opt for something more representative of our culture.’ Another bluntly remarked, ‘Very mid. Pakistani designers could have done better.’ The sentiment was clear: in a time when supporting local industries is seen as a patriotic duty, Shanzay’s choices felt like a missed opportunity to celebrate Pakistani craftsmanship.
But not everyone agrees. Defenders of the bride argue that fashion is a universal language, unbound by borders. They highlight the irony that Indian celebrities and brides frequently wear Pakistani designers like Faraz Manan and Mohsin Naveed Ranjha. One supporter commented, ‘It’s 2026—can we stop policing what brides wear? If she loves the design, that’s all that matters.’ Another added, ‘Her wedding, her choice. Let’s focus on bigger issues.’
This isn’t the first time the Sharif family has faced such backlash. In December 2024, Maryam Nawaz herself was criticized for wearing Sabyasachi to her nephew’s nikah. The recurring theme? The intersection of fashion, politics, and national identity—a trifecta that never fails to spark controversy.
And this is the part most people miss: the debate isn’t just about clothing; it’s about what we wear as a reflection of who we are as a nation. Is choosing foreign designers a betrayal of local talent, or is it a celebration of global artistry? Does patriotism have a place in fashion, or should personal taste reign supreme? Weigh in below—let’s keep this conversation going!
