Gujranwala, also known as the City of Wrestlers, has witnessed a new controversy after an incident at Kings Mall sparked outrage on social media. Reports claim that an elderly man wearing a traditional dress, “Dhoti,” was denied entry by the mall’s security staff.
According to a social media post, the man, accompanied by his younger son, attempted to enter Kings Mall for shopping. However, security officials allegedly stopped them at the gate, citing the mall’s dress code policy. The family was informed that people wearing Dhoti were not permitted inside the premises.
The user also shared a photograph of the mall’s courtesy policy, which reportedly stated: “Shorts & Dhoti’s are not allowed.” The post quickly spread online, sparking criticism from many who saw the policy as disrespectful toward traditional attire.
ایہہ کنگز مال اے گجرانوالہ شہر وچ۔
— Akmal Ghumman (@AkmalGhumman) September 4, 2025
اَج میرے والد صاحب میرے چھوٹے بھائی نال تہمد بن کے گئے تے مال انتظامیہ نیں تہمد نال مال وچ داخلہ نئیں دتا کہ پنجابی لباس دی اجازت نئیں۔
ایس مسئلے نوں بھر پور طریقے نال چکن دی لوڑ اے۔
ایہہ پنجاب تے پنجاب دے پہراوے دی توہین اے۔
(اکرم خان کاکڑ) pic.twitter.com/iCI7WkyYIe
The incident has yet to be independently verified, but it has triggered debate about dress codes in public spaces. Some social media users condemned the mall’s management, arguing that banning traditional clothing reflects cultural insensitivity.
This is not the first time such a controversy has emerged in Pakistan. Earlier in July, a similar issue surfaced in Karachi when a lawyer claimed he was denied entry to a private restaurant for wearing shalwar qameez.
The matter fueled widespread discussions on the acceptability of traditional clothing in modern commercial settings.
Critics argue that cultural attire such as Dhoti and shalwar qameez are part of Pakistan’s identity and should be respected. Others believe that malls and restaurants have the right to enforce dress codes, but those rules should not undermine national traditions.
As the debate continues, Kings Mall has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
In other news read more about Karachi Restaurant ‘Refuses’ Entry to Man Over Shalwar Kameez Outfit
