Shanzay Ali Rohail, granddaughter-in-law of Nawaz Sharif's family, faces mixed reactions online after wearing Indian designers Sabyasachi and Tarun Tahiliani at her wedding.
Shanzay Ali Rohail, granddaughter-in-law of Nawaz Sharif, wearing Indian designers Sabyasachi [Photo: X]
A high-profile wedding in Pakistan's most influential political family has unexpectedly turned into a social media flashpoint. Shanzay Ali Rohail, the bride of Nawaz Sharif's grandson Junaid Safdar, found herself at the centre of an online storm over her fashion choices.
As images from the wedding spread online, Pakistani social media users began dissecting every detail of the bride’s outfits. The controversy was not about extravagance, but about where the outfits came from. Her choice of Indian designers reignited long-standing sensitivities between India and Pakistan, pushing the wedding into political and cultural discourse.
Shanzay Ali Rohail is married to Junaid Safdar, the son of Maryam Nawaz and grandson of former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif. She comes from a politically connected family herself and is the granddaughter of Rohail Asghar, a close ally of Nawaz Sharif.
Her wedding in Lahore was a grand affair attended by political figures, family members and close associates. Because of her association with one of Pakistan’s most powerful political dynasties, public interest in her wedding remained high throughout the celebrations.
Shanzay Ali Rohail grabbed headlines not just for the lavish event but for her choice of wedding outfits by Indian designers, a decision that stirred strong reactions on Pakistani social media.
For her mehendi ceremony, she wore a green lehenga designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, known globally for his luxury bridal collections. At the main wedding event, she chose a red saree by Tarun Tahiliani, another celebrated Indian couturier.
These choices stood out because they came from Indian designers, and Pakistan and India share a long history of complex political and cultural tensions. Many on social platforms viewed the outfit selection as controversial, given the current climate.
Shanzay Ali Rohail has not issued any public statement addressing the controversy around her outfit choices. She has also not responded directly to criticism related to wearing Sabyasachi or Tarun Tahiliani.
In the absence of her response, supporters stepped in to defend her, arguing that wedding attire is a personal decision. Many pointed out that fashion exchange between India and Pakistan has existed for decades, with celebrities and brides from both countries often wearing designers across the border.
Several Pakistani internet users did not take the bride’s fashion lightly. Some reactions were critical and nationalistic, focusing on broader issues about local industry and patriotism:
Public opinion was especially sharp because of the bride’s connection to one of Pakistan’s most well-known political families, adding fuel to the discussion.
Not all reactions were negative. Many defended Shanzay’s decision as a matter of personal freedom and fashion choice:
These defenders pointed out that cross-border fashion appreciation goes both ways and that modern weddings often blend global influences.
Brides from South Asia, especially from affluent backgrounds, often choose couture from internationally acclaimed fashion houses. Indian designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Tarun Tahiliani are frequently worn at high-end weddings for their intricate craftsmanship and luxurious fabrics.
However, in Pakistan, such choices can become symbolic in the broader cultural and political context, especially when national identity and local industries are part of the discussion.
