Every fashion statement, whether it be classical or bold, creates a statement, especially when its by someone famous. Creating powerful style statements in a serious and intensely scrutinised world of politics as compared to the fashion and media industry, takes it to a whole new level. Following is a list of Pakistan’s female politicians that have managed to portray very different yet striking looks, as they have strode through the corridors of power.
Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan
Let’s start with Begum Raana Liaquat Ali Khan (RLAK), the first ever lady governor of Pakistan, who also happened to be the first lady at that time. She stood out wherever she went for her elegance and remarkable ch oice in clothing. Raana Liaquat was known for her choice of colours and designs including the ghagras that she wore in which she looked splendid, with minimal makeup that complimented her flair. She was a woman of high stature, a being that is greatly admired and remembered for her humanitarian work and sense of style.
Fatima Jinnah
Fatima Jinnah is one of the most prominent ladies in the history of Pakistan, the sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. She was an epitome of simplicity yet always looked beautiful. She usually wore a simple shalwar kurta with a chiffon duppata on her head. Many a times, she would even pull off wearing a silk ghagra like RLAK and elegant pearls that complimented her everlasting fashion.
Benazir Bhutto
Benazir Bhutto, one of the most renowned and celebrated politicians globally, served twice as the prime minister of Pakistan. Well known for her sense of fashion and grace, she wore similar attires as the aforementioned ladies, with a bold choice of hues and a simple duppata draped over her head. Benazir was mostly seen in formal overcoats that went with her shalwar kurta. She was mostly wearing a reddish lip colour looking immaculate as ever. Benazir was always perfectly dressed, be it conferences, speeches, interviews or just casual time with her family. BB was an inspiration to many.
Sherry Rehman
Sherry Rehman is another Pakistani female politician who took the design and class to a different yet a modern level, giving a freer look to herself. In a place where female leaders usually dressed more in line with the local culture, Sherry Rehman is bold. An advocate for women’s rights, Rahman is always well dressed and impeccably groomed with an understated elegance of matching bags and dresses.
Hina Rabbani Khar
Transitioning into the more recent era, let’s take a look at Hina Rabbani Khar’s sense of style. She served as the 21 foreign minister of Pakistan. Her sense of style reflects her courageous attitude and confidence with immense grace. Always dressed to impress, she brings out a new sense of power to female dressing. With her monotoned colours, pearls, minimal makeup and subtle choice of accessories, Khar always manages to look her best.
Reham Khan
The ‘could have been’ first lady of Pakistan, Reham Khan transformed her western sense of style to the more conventional shalwar kurta and duppata draped over the head. Reham Khan too conforms to the minimalistic approach, proving that less is indeed more. Her fashion transformation took place on her arrival to Pakistan when she adapted herself to the ‘Pakistani Parliamentary Fashion’, if there is such a thing.
Maryam Nawaz
Being in a lot of crosshairs in the past year, Maryam Nawaz is still at the top for her fashion game. Flawlessly dressed in the best designer clothes from head to toe, her poised attitude and picture-perfect makeup prove how she is full of class. Following suit, Maryam Nawaz too continues the tradition of a chiffon duppata draped over the head. Maryam is not only known for her expensive ensembles and highend jewellery but her sophisticated style as well.
Has the Pakistani Parliamentary Fashion for women changed over the past many decades? The dupatta culture has been one of the longest ‘cultural’ choice for women in parliament. It makes one wonder if this is hardly a choice for the female political icons or something that is expected of them. What are your thoughts?
Published in Daily Times, March 3rd 2019.