Abeer Asad, Suleiman Hussain face photoshoot backlash
Abeer Asad Khan and Suleiman Hussain are among the Pakistani fashion models who have built recognition through stylish campaigns, editorial shoots, and collaborations with some of the country’s prominent designers. Both have remained visible in the fashion industry through lawn, bridal, and high-fashion projects, while Abeer Asad Khan has also gained attention through major magazine features and industry recognition.
The two models recently became the center of an online debate after appearing together in a new photoshoot for designer Malik Yasir. Inspired by the visual style of the Bollywood classic Raam Leela, the shoot features Abeer Asad and Suleiman Hussain in an intimate and dramatic setting. The project was styled and directed by Nabia Saqib and Abdullah Siddiqui and has attracted considerable attention across social media.
While fashion enthusiasts appreciated the styling, photography, and cinematic presentation, the shoot also received strong criticism from a section of social media users. Several commenters objected to what they considered the intimate nature of the shoot and argued that such fashion campaigns do not reflect the cultural and religious values they expect from Pakistani celebrities.
One social media user criticized the shoot by claiming that obscenity was becoming increasingly common in Pakistan and questioned why people were not speaking against it. Another commenter made a personal remark about Abeer Asad Khan’s past, while someone else pointed out that she had recently performed Umrah and questioned her choice of participating in such a photoshoot afterward.
The Bollywood-inspired theme also became a major point of discussion. One user said the visuals appeared heavily influenced by Indian cinema and questioned why Pakistani fashion creatives could not develop concepts that were more closely connected to Islamic and local cultural traditions. Others used humor and sarcasm to compare the models with Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, describing them as the “poor man’s Ranveer and Deepika.”
The criticism did not stop at the models themselves. Some social media users argued that provocative fashion campaigns were becoming increasingly common in Pakistan and claimed that the industry was gradually moving away from traditional cultural boundaries. A few commenters also questioned why fashion models were not criticized as heavily as family vloggers when controversial content appeared online.
There were also accusations that celebrities and models sometimes participate in such shoots primarily for financial gain and publicity. However, supporters of the fashion industry may view such projects as artistic expressions that experiment with international cinema, contemporary styling, and visual storytelling.
The photoshoot has therefore sparked a wider discussion about the balance between artistic freedom, fashion trends, cultural identity, and social expectations in Pakistan. As the images continue circulating online, Abeer Asad Khan and Suleiman Hussain remain at the center of the debate, with social media users expressing sharply divided opinions about the controversial campaign.
