Renowned Pakistani stylist, photographer, and talent hunter Khawar Riaz has criticized local actresses for increasingly adopting Western fashion trends at award shows, urging them to represent Pakistan’s culture and identity instead.
In a recent statement, Riaz who is known for launching several major names in the country’s fashion and entertainment industry, expressed concern over the growing influence of social media and the “culture of showmanship” in Pakistani society.
“Social media has changed the fabric of our society,” he said. “People are now more focused on appearances than reality. They flaunt their expensive clothes, jewelry, and wealth as if encouraging others to chase the same luxuries — often mocking those who cannot afford them.”
Speaking about award ceremonies, Khawar Riaz remarked that many Pakistani actresses “seem obsessed with wearing Western-style gowns” when they should instead reflect their national culture.
“I see everyone dressed in Western gowns at award shows,” he noted. “They should appear in traditional Pakistani styles that represent our heritage.”
He also mocked the industry’s obsession with English-speaking glamour, saying, “These artists try hard to speak English, forgetting that their audience is not English. Instead of imitating others, they should take pride in their own language and culture.”
Riaz’s comments have stirred a heated debate across social media platforms. While some users supported his stance, calling it a much-needed reality check, others criticized him for unnecessary moral policing.
However, the majority of commenters agreed that Khawar Riaz had voiced concerns that “many feel but few dare to express.”
