Nawaz Sharif’s Grandson’s Bride Sparks Outrage in Pakistan for Wearing Indian Designer Lehenga

The wedding of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s grandson has become a hot topic on social media—not for politics, but for fashion. The bride chose to wear a lehenga designed by India’s renowned designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, which has sparked controversy and backlash from some quarters in Pakistan.

Indian Designer Sparks Controversy
Junaid Safdar, grandson of Nawaz Sharif and son of Maryam Nawaz, recently married Shanze Ali Rohel Asgar, granddaughter of Sheikh Rohel Asgar, a senior leader in the PM’s party. While the wedding photos impressed many, the bride’s emerald green lehenga caught particular attention. Adorned with traditional embroidery and heavy golden threadwork, it was a part of Sabyasachi’s New World Bridal Collection.

As news of the lehenga’s Indian origin spread, some Pakistanis expressed anger on social media, criticizing the Sharif family and questioning the decision to choose an Indian designer instead of a local one. Many called it unpatriotic, labeling the family “traitors” for the choice.

Bride’s Styling Details
Shanze modified the original design slightly: the lehenga’s floral motifs were accented with sequins, and the border featured stars, giving it a rich look. She also adjusted the choli neckline from a deep V to a simple round and extended the blouse length, adorned with golden motifs.

For her Mehndi ceremony, she paired the lehenga with a lightweight dupatta in green and rust-orange, decorated with golden tassels and sequined stars, enhancing the outfit’s elegance.

Indian Designer Saree for the Nikah
Shanze also chose a red saree by Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani for the nikah ceremony. The saree featured heavy embroidery, styled with a star-studded veil and heavily embellished blouse. Despite the intricate styling, some critics continued to troll her online for choosing Indian designers.

Mixed Reactions Online
While some defended her personal choice, noting that Indian celebrities often wear Pakistani designs, others criticized the decision as insensitive, particularly given the political and historical tensions between the two countries. Comments ranged from calling the choice “wrong on many levels” to publicly shaming Nawaz Sharif’s family for endorsing an Indian designer.

The controversy highlights how fashion choices, especially among high-profile figures, can quickly become a flashpoint in cross-border sentiments.