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Does your foreign minister own a Birkin?

Does your foreign minister own a Birkin?

I am a big supporter of well-groomed women but couldn't Ms Khar have done without the Hermes Birkin?

Atika Rehman July 27, 2011

‘What was she wearing?’ rather than ‘what was she saying?’ was the question that made the rounds during Hina Rabbani Khar’s Delhi visit this week.

As she sashayed off the plane onto the tarmac, glamorous HRK touched down in Delhi amidst the Indian press, her cobalt blue dupatta billowing in the wind. As happy as I am that she is Pakistan’s first female Foreign Minister, I have to ask this question (snarky as it may seem):

Could she not have done without the Hermes Birkin?

Before you brush me aside as a hater, let me clarify that I am a big supporter of well-groomed women (what’s wrong with being hot?). But was it really necessary for a minister from a poor, corruption-stricken country to brandish a limited edition bag that boasts luxury and probably costs somewhere between $10,000-$15,000?

Some colleagues disagreed with me, asking why HRK should be ashamed of her identity. They speculated that had she dressed down, people would have been equally critical. It was interesting to see that while most talked about her being a ‘weapon of mass distraction’ and speculated that many Pak-India talks would be scheduled in light of HRK’s visit, discussion of confidence-building measures between the two countries was largely trumped by:

“So what if she carries a Birkin? Every woman deserves a nice handbag.”

Forget Kashmir -- while the Indian media went all out in praise of the attractive HRK and her tasteful accessories, guys on the web desk asked:

“Why didn’t she iron her clothes?”

Funnier still were comments on the news story ‘Delhi gushes over new Pakistani minister’, where readers said everything from:

“We will give her Kashmir on a plate if she requests it.”

To:

“As long as she wears a headscarf, she is a behenji.”

Who talked about what she actually said in her official role? Not many on my Twitter timeline.

All of one lone voice tweeted:

fotespeaks Dear Pakistanis, we do not hate beauty if we question HRK's credentials. We just want to check what the heck is she bringing to the table?

WRITTEN BY:
Atika Rehman

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

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COMMENTS (130)

fawad iqbal | 13 years ago | Reply 15000 $ is a good enough amount for a poor pakistani , ofcourse no one would like to see the foriegn minister of a poor country spending so lavishly , yes she can afford such bags but the foriegn ministers should look like a foriegn minister ,

Zaheer | 13 years ago | Reply Actually, I never heard what she said in her statement in India. Where can I know

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

ErRiz | 13 years ago | Reply Seriously? Was this really worth to publish and post? Seriously Express Tribune?

newbie | 13 years ago | Reply Can someone please answer this question:How does one insert a photo or a video in their blog?What is the exact procedure to start blogging around here?

Ajay | 13 years ago | Reply @KolachiMom: I am surprised that the Indian handlers and the media even recognized the Hermes bag: I mean they are not a common known commodity and while HRK is moving or talking, who is reading the label on her bag? Unless someone from her own staff leaks ig out.

Iman Sultan | 13 years ago | Reply @Godfather the reason the Birkin is so inappropriate is because it's completely against the protocol any diplomat has to follow. Rabbani is supposed to be neither like Michelle Obama or Kate Middleton in her fashion sense. She's a government worker, the equivalent of Benjamin Franklin and Hillary Clinton and what Zulfikar Ali Bhutto once was; /not/ a socialite.

Iman Sultan | 13 years ago | Reply I don't even understand why this is an issue of debate. Hina Rabbani works in government, she is a diplomat. That means that her clothing should be extremely neutral, formal, business-like, the works. I don't need to cut it out for you. She's supposed to be dressed as a government official, not a first lady. There is a clear and significant difference. Women who work in media also have to wear straight-edged, simple clothing. Would Hilary Clinton, Rabbani's American counterpart (if she can even be /called/ that), be caught dead with an Hermes Birkin bag? Also, Rabbani's university degree is in hotel management. The fact that she's carrying a Birkin bag in the first place simply indicates her inexperience and tremendous lack of credentials. Some of Pakistan's most significant issues involve foreign policy. It is useless to have Hina Rabbani represent us. Queens, princesses and first ladies have outlets to become fashion icons. Government workers don't enjoy such privileges.

Asif Ilyas | 13 years ago | Reply i think indian have a lot of preety faces as compare to HRK so why they were worried for kashmir.i was musharaf who lost kashmir for rani mukarjee.

nafisa | 13 years ago | Reply Judgmental much?

S | 13 years ago | Reply the question is does a rich woman, let alone an FM really need to carry her own bag on a diplomatic visit.....really ?

Perspective | 13 years ago | Reply An absolute must read. Put things in perspective regarding the whole issue surrounding HRK. written by a normal Pakistani, FOR normal Pakistanis! http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=60464&Cat=9&dt=7%2F31%2F2011#.TjZtDjriOMI.facebook

Ali | 13 years ago | Reply After the media storm about her expensive handbag, she is quoted as saying "I refuse to be apologetic about it; I will continue to be who I am" What she is is the dynastic heir of a feudal family with very little talent, something true of virtually all of our politicians. She is qualified to run hotels and host parties, not the foreign policy of nation of 200 million. Do we really have no one better qualified than a restauranteur to be our foreign minister? The nation is at a cross roads. We need to secure our water rights - we need qualified engineers and scientists looking into the issue. We have to attract investment in to the energy sectors and improve education standards with help from abroad. Is she really (or indeed is anyone in our government) suitably qualified to meet these challenges? It not because she's a women that I rubbish her. It's her CV and background that excludes her from the position that she is in. The PPP (Pakistan Feudal Party) is about as meritocratic as any feudal family run business. Their next leader is someone who can just about speak Urdu raised in the UAE and England.

Meekal Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply I am only interested in one thing. I would like to see her tax returns (if any) for the last three years.

Pir Ali Raza | 13 years ago | Reply Simply put, I like Khar. Shes cool.

Godfather | 13 years ago | Reply Brand consciousness no longer symbolizes old money, prestige or power. The true global elite shun such parvenu displays. Can you imagine Michelle Obama, a Harvard attorney and the wife of the most powerful man on the planet, lugging an Hermes Birkin? Michelle is known for being graceful in affordable J Crew outfits and so is Kate Middleton. Birkins are now carried by Lindsay Lohans of the world. HRK is no different and the writer of this article seems secretly envious of owners of Birkins so she seems crass as well.

rational | 13 years ago | Reply are we really even sure this wasnt some knockoff? shes from pak after all :) its possible... and if you know where to look you can find good quality knockoffs even...

Kiran Imtiaz | 13 years ago | Reply What i think is, that owning an expensive purse or hiding your true socio-economic status is not what is required. I am also not in the favour of the thinking that foreign ministers and diplomats should wear disheleved clothes and then go for the GIVE-US-YOUR-DIRELY-NEEDED-AID-TALKS or things like that.. In my opinion, i want to ask HRK one question: WTH was she thinking is she going to talk about in INDIA? Doesnt the topic, the purpose or the agenda matter in how you pose yourself? Isnt it a question of your own morality? rather than a question of being graceful and elegant, that the people, the nation, the problem you are going to discuss is not of any import export dealing, or exchanging of media personnels. " It is about the INJUSTICE, the UNJUSTIFIED killing of the ever fighting KASHMIRIS!!! " GET A LIFE, THEY ARE BEING KILLED FOR NOTHING, AND HERE WE ARE, GOING TO TALK TO THEM BEING A WALKING BRAND AMBASSADOR, INSTEAD OF BEING THEIR ADVOCATE AND EMBASSADOR! dressing says alot, but not only in dressing beautifully or gracefuly, it should be observed according to the circumstances!

Irfaan Gilani | 13 years ago | Reply The difference between men and women? A man would rather carry $15,000 in his attaché, admittedly it would be a bit of a drag. A woman would rather that her handbag cost that 'little'. Vanity, is Satan's favourite sin. And our politicians' favoured indulgence. And those amongst us who endorse this loot of propriety, are conspirators against their own citizenship and fellow compatriots.

anam zaheer | 13 years ago | Reply phhuulleezzz.........she can buy watever bag she wants to,because she is "khandani rich"!!! rich ppl do carry LV n Hermes bags so wats new n surprizing in that! plzz...dont involve ppl's personal lifestyle standards with politics!!!! this is the most rubbish article evr published.please tribune....we dont hv time to read such news n waste our times!!

Hira | 13 years ago | Reply If you've got it flaunt it. :)

Perspective | 13 years ago | Reply @qadir: Honestly, why did you have to waste everyone's time with that pathetic response is beyond me! You belittle others for their well argued philosophical take, yet you offer the stupidest perspective I have ever read! Your e.g, like the rest of your argument, was pointless and offensive. Who gives a toss what your boss wears, or how much you drool over it! He does not represent Pakistan!!! For all anyone cares, he can go without clothes; as long as he does not take it upon himself to officially represent the The poor Islamic republic of Pakistan. Because then his actions matter!! And then you make an insensitive and cruel crack about how most people cannot make that money in a year?? and go on to still defend HRK's right to throw all that money away for a piece of stitched cow skin!!! !0,000$ amounts to almost 9 lakh ruppees!!! and you think if she had spent less then this, her bag would have been like a sack of potatoes?? Are you even Human? Do you even know what poor people in Pakistan wear? Tatters!! And for those idiots who compare HRK 9 lakh RS bag to an AC or Car or House, listen up!! at least your AC or car or your house serve a sensible purpose!! If you spend that amount on something which is even remotely more useful then a HandBAG, i'll understand, and won't judge you for it. But seriously, people, all of you who think there is nothing wrong with this shameless and insensitive display of ill gotten money; Get out of your little glass houses and look around at the people who live outside in miserable conditions! Get a perspective!!

RI | 13 years ago | Reply @Azher, totally agree with u, people who condone such lavish and extravagant displays of wealth from the representatives of a very poor country, where the average man's salary is Rs. 7000 (if he's lucky) certainly deserve a president like Zardari. These people should be ashamed of themselves, if they are so super rich then perhaps they should focus more on paying taxes and using all that glorious wealth and power to help make the common man's life easier. That is, after all, what they have been brought into power for, not for flaunting their wealth and trying to impress the world with their jet-setting lifestyle.

optimist | 13 years ago | Reply Someone is jealous, lol

ZN | 13 years ago | Reply How ironic that (a) you think she's being daft while your article is callow and colloquial. 'what's wrong being hot' indeed. And (b) that you accuse others of just focusing on her appearance while you've written an entire article about her hand-bag. Maybe to stress your point instead of quoting twitter, you could report what she actually said next time.

ZeeYasir | 13 years ago | Reply beside the comments made in this blog post, i like HRK's personality. politicians everywhere are alike, somehow. they, making-up themselves, don't bother how much expense all this may carry. the damn thing is this that they are priviliged class, mostly in poor and developnig countries. and a country like pakistan, that made no progress but in corruption, all this mess should be banned. and this will be done by the public will-- nor by politicians itself or judiciary or some other institution. would here be SOCIALIST GOVERNMENT, we would not happen to see such a day in the history of pakistan... mr. Bhutto raised the slogan of socialism, but the Mullahs and US monopoly stroke her with criticism and ultimately to death.. These -- presend rein holders of PPPP-- are the legacy of Bhutto Saheb... Alas!!! a country, where no electricity, no gas, NO ROTTI-- politicians extravaganly make them up... :-(

Jeena | 13 years ago | Reply You're just jealous, I know i would be too. She carried her desi shalwar kameez very gracefully, lets notice the good points and not criticize every little thing!

aq | 13 years ago | Reply seriously? you all think the writer is jealous? It's a matter of principle! the fact that this country is withering in poverty and your foreign minister carries huge hermes bag and diamonds. a politician is meant to reflect the country and the people of this country CANNOT afford a birkin. She can carry her bags for tea, doesn't need to carry such expensive accessories to " work" with her. Indeed, she is beautiful. But TOTALLY irrelevant.

qadir | 13 years ago | Reply man, this fawad guy, THIS is the kind of guy i want saving the galaxy... spot on, brother man, spot on!

qadir | 13 years ago | Reply hahah, and its great to see how the public is smitten! hell, i just hope some good comes of this. also, im not brushing you aside as a hater... im just saying that if the other stuff youve written is anything to go by as a measure of your writing prowess, this was beneath you.

qadir | 13 years ago | Reply after reading your article through an email forward that i recieved at work, i realized i have a few opinions on the matter. so, our foreign minister owns and parades around shamelessly with a birkin... the summary to my entire rant in the following passage would be "so f$!#%&* what??" its sad to see the minister's accessories being the only item of active and worthy discussion on this side of the divide... don't get me wrong... im not a sympathizer, and i do not think she's "hot" or "glamorous" or any of those things... realistically, as far as im concerned, she doesnt even have a political career worth discussing, other than the fact that she "created controversy by meeting separatist leaders of kashmir before meeting Indian government representatives". i feel that's probably worth mentioning more than what perfume she was wearing, what bag she was carrying, or whether her manolo's were matched with her dupatta adequately. to illustrate, let me give you an example... my boss wears a jaeger lecoultre... in an organization of perhaps 3,000 people, i doubt more than 50 people even know what that is. he wears it because he has it. he wears it because he likes wearing it BECAUSE he has it... irrespective of whether his in laws gave it to him, or whether he scrounged and saved his formative years for it, or whether he robbed john q. public on the streets and used the tax payer's pockets to finance his purchase. the fact remains, he wears is not for show, but he wears it for himself, because he has acheived a certain level in his life, and he would like to have something that shows for it... not for the public eye, but for himself. i also doubt HRKs opening remarks to the indian committee were "look! look at my bag, you miserly coots!" no... i think it was the roving eye of a few ladies that caught sight of the bag and identified it for what it was... and couple that with a sensationalizing of inconsequential news [we all know how much we like doing that], we have the ingredients of what we love doing as a nation... which is criticizing. i urge everyone to look at whats being made an issue here... at what warranted the office forward on my email address... our president and prime minister obviously flaunt what they have to extents unimaginable... and they do it shamelessly... and yet we forget it was us who put them there to begin with. but im digressing. you see, she has a bag thats worth more money than what most people make in an entire year. good for her! hell, what did you want her to do? carry a sack of potatoes? or perhaps scale down to at least a chanel? or an LV? the more i write this, the more i realize how pointless this is, and how much of a waste of space the tribune allocates to useless articles, where this same space could be utilized to perhaps discuss something a bit more tangible. i admit, im a bit disappointed... this is the extent to which we're concerned with what someone else has. and i personally believe that her accessorizing with whatever she has has NO bearing on what country and its state of affairs she represents. none whatsoever. as for madeeha, please, spare us the melodrama... there is no philosophical take on this article... its articles like these that serve to objectify women and cast a shadow of doubt over something as tangible as capability. HRK has an expensive bag... i say good for her... yay!

sab | 13 years ago | Reply she is not an ordinary woman,she is our foreign minister and she has to represent our country so wat do u think if our country is poor so she shud wear something really uglyy!!...this article has no sense!

z | 13 years ago | Reply Its probably a Bangkok fakie

Maleeha | 13 years ago | Reply Interesting comments by readers. Surely she could have done without Birkin but what if she chose otherwise? She belongs to an affluent family and if she can afford to own one then why not show off?I didn't know untill going through this post that Birkin exists or it was a limited edition bag. How many people in Pakistan do you think know that any such brand even exists. Thank you very much for educating the likes of me, hopefully on some lucky day I can show off my knowledge by merely naming the brand. This was such an important issue to occupy the space that you have the luxury to use. In many ways she is better than former FM who went there with a 'no matter what we are always right attitude'. She is articulate, educated and capable women. Let's not belittle the purpose and likely outcomes of her visit. P.S I don't think she carried that bag because she belong to the 'Khar' family. These kind of articles are coming from those who have been either chasing these brand and consider them a status symbol or want to show off their knowledge of such luxury brands.Anyone who attach no importance to these brands can never think of using this precious space to write about such trivial things.

Sana Miraj | 13 years ago | Reply I almost agree with the writer. Why people spend time on negativity means what was her wearing, glamorous personality, etc etc rather than that what is she presenting in an Indian land. I like her way of conversation, her gesture, postures, way of walking even I noticed that she was giving respect whenever she is not agree on any thing So she is our lady and I solute her because in this crucial situation of Pakistan she have the confidence to face all the criticism and she presented our culture, our religion, our manners and many things on the land of our mind created bad India. I am a PAKISTANI and I love my Pakistan. I believes that India is not bad its just our thinking which was feeding by our Bazurgans, because they have seen bad time between the two countries at that time but we haven’t seen any thing, we are young and youth of our nations so we have to be positive for good and peace relationship that’s why we send our HRK to India. I am not a favoring for HRK and I have no any relationship with any officials/HRK in our country I am just a Pakistani. So leave this topic whatever she wearied by thinking that it’s the right of every official to wearied /expensed on our self while going to deal with any one in the country as well as out of country whether he/she is in Pakistan as well as in India. Please powered to Ms Hina Rabbani Khar by saying we are with you in leading our country because Pakistan needs sincere leader. May Allah Showed right path to you. Amin. Promote Peace and Love between the nations. Thanks.

Adnan | 13 years ago | Reply Oh! come on people, let the woman be. She is perhaps doing a better job than most of the other nincompoops. And besides, why doesn't anybody notice the clothes and accessories of male dignitaries.

BADurrani | 13 years ago | Reply What is sad is the media has reported more on what Shades, Jewelry, Cloths, and Bag Hina Rabbani Khar was wearing during her visit to India, and in comparison almost nothing about what was discussed and or achieved on her visit.

AAA | 13 years ago | Reply aaa

yousaf | 13 years ago | Reply @Toobahatif......we dont earn to burn

Amadeus | 13 years ago | Reply The only purpose this blog served was letting me know what a birkin is =D (ofcourse after some googling).

Diana | 13 years ago | Reply With all due respect, if she where a man would you be making the same comments about being wrinkled, or wearing a several thousand dollar suit or how about a rolex? Here in the United States people have done the same with Hilary Clinton (and several other women officials, politicians, etc) - going as far as commenting on her hair, her pant suits, her weight. Shouldn't we be caring about the work they are doing rather than what they are wearing. Maybe we can save the attire and accessory remarks for movie stars, models and royalty - afterall they have all the time in the world to look perfect.

Muhammad | 13 years ago | Reply @waqqas iftikhar: i m affraid waqas there are no degrees that qualify you anywhere in a democracy for public office its the elected reps

Muhammad | 13 years ago | Reply @Swami Pranab Roy: you are correct cent percent the friendship needs a better bonding

Ms. Shams | 13 years ago | Reply Sigh, Reading all these commentators who actually think we are being jealous or haters when we find HRK's choices wrong, make me so so sad! Do you people not realize how much 9000 $ translate into Pakistani Rs? how that amount of money can feed so many poor, or marry off an orphan girl, or make a school for barefoot kids, or prevent some miserable family from standing in front of a full speed train, or...the list is endless. It saddens me that so many people read the article, and ended up scolding people like me, for being too critical. Either you do not live in the same Pakistan as I do...or you are all part of the same corrupt circle; the one that believes that no means is bad means as long as it makes you filthy rich. The same circle who believes, if you've got it, flaunt it! for what's the point of being filthy sick rich if you cannot even show it off. What of the that very beautiful Islamic sentiment of humility, and simplicity, and of not being extravagant. A head scarf clearly does not indicate humility in this case. I'd rather have her in jeans and shirt, as long as they were made in Pakistan, and were affordable by an average Pakistani. Not even the poor ones. Just average ones, like me or you! If that woman had even an ounce of love for her country men, she would never have spent that stupid amount of money, on such a pathetic piece of craftsmanship. Not when people are dying of hunger everyday. Even if she had that to spend, she wouldn't have had. Just to show that she really cares for the people she is supposed to represent. If she were really that amazing a human being as people are led to believe, She would have bought something beautiful and reasonably affordable, something made in Pakistan, and worn it with Pride!

MH | 13 years ago | Reply @Fawad: Right on bro :) I mean jeez... the comments just sort of sadden you at the level that Pakistani psyche has reached.

MH | 13 years ago | Reply @Q-bass: If this is the new pakistan, I weep for our country.

MH | 13 years ago | Reply The comments just made me realize what a sad country we live in. I mean for goodness sake, the writer has a valid point: Do you need to flaunt blatantly such wealth when the rest of your country suffers? I mean this woman does not even pay her taxes and she has to rub it in our faces that no matter how corrupt you are, you can always make it big in this country just by defect of birth. Pakistan needs to get rid of people who 'parrot' views rather than think for themselves.

Zoya | 13 years ago | Reply The problem with our country is that we ignore the main issues and make a big deal out of these pointless things(in this case her bag).

R | 13 years ago | Reply She is smart and street smart that too. In open democracies like India and USA the media is easily distracted by charm and beauty. Years ago it is was Raisa Gorbachev and recently it was Caral Bruny. Indian media, with its obsession for the same old boring anlaysis, can make dialog ineffective. Good to see them focus on her handbag, shoes etc. Hopefully K & K can get something accomnplished away from the glare of the papparazi. Ms. K knows what she is doing. I hope Mr. K knows what he is doing. LOL

Mohsin | 13 years ago | Reply Agree with author 100%. What do we as Pakistanis get from her looks and her lavish accessories. We need a strict and straight person who sticks more with his country's foreign policies rather wasting his/her time gathering all lavish items.

waqas | 13 years ago | Reply Well NO ! SHE COULD NOT HAVE DONE WITHOUT IT !!!! Will answer you Ridiculous time wasting article in simple words : "Presentation matters ALOT ! " and in answer to what she is bringing to table : A very Good Image of Pakistan to other countries, and thats what Pakistan needs the most right now ! And Her HRK screams it to the world that we are not savage illiterate Barbarians ! So ya .. thats what she is bringing to the Table ... A GOOD IMAGE OF PAKISTAN !!!

dude | 13 years ago | Reply This is nothing compared to Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalita, she has thousands of sarees, hundreds of bags and millions of sandles...

Iftikhar Naseem | 13 years ago | Reply You girls just cannot keep your discontentment with yourself, so what if she owns a birkin, i pray that one day you own 10 bags like this, but lets not always be so envious about what others have and you dont. She is in foreign territory representing Pakistan lets support her, we can keep these complexes for when she returns. Cheers

mak | 13 years ago | Reply Get a life - seriously!

maria | 13 years ago | Reply its not like she stole the money from pakistanis and bought the birkin. she belongs to one of the richest families of Punjab. why is it that we cant digest being in the news for good for once? enjoy it cause it doesnt happen often instead of wining!

Female Hitch | 13 years ago | Reply Absolutely useless blog

saad | 13 years ago | Reply What a day, we have finally accepted this corrupt government and accepted it. I'm guess this government will stay for another term, judging by the comments. We now point out good in bad.

Q-bass | 13 years ago | Reply HRK represented the country in the best way.. this IS the new pakistan... our elders have ruined pakistan enough.. this is the start of a new era of youth, a new generation and she represented all that very well and well our youth IS this sensible in fashion.. lol..

Tony Singh | 13 years ago | Reply Enjoy the catfight between the two beauties folks! Now its your turn HRK

Asim | 13 years ago | Reply @Azhar: yes our nation deserve the leader like and all others from the same category like Nawaz Sherif etc. there is a big list

Danish Maqsood | 13 years ago | Reply I totally agree with the writer.You don't need branded items to show that you are well groomed. Just look at at the headlines in leading Indian papers.They are talking about her dress sense and accessories she used.Rather than focusing on foreign policy,such petty things were discussed. In the end,i would say that HRK managed to get headlines in media but for all the wrong reasons.

Ahmed Lodhi | 13 years ago | Reply Extremely Honorable Atika Rehman, Reading you in Times New Roman, 12 font, I never realized you didn't own a Hermes Birkin. Thanks to our new foreign minister, now I do.

Sarfraz Salik | 13 years ago | Reply Well, Carrying Birkin is a good thing... but it should not be at the cost of Citizen of Pakistan... Pay taxes, make your own money and stop corruption, we have no issue if next time you carry two Birkin bags in your both hands...

Somebody Wisedomess | 13 years ago | Reply @Amal Hafiez: People like HRK who are part of the feudal elite that has made its wealth off the labour of millions should be 'respected' indeed. honestly what a load of elite suck ups we have here

Thinker | 13 years ago | Reply Seriously its her choice what bag she takes! Talk about being sexist! All I read everywhere was what clothes Ms Khar wore, what she looks like, what bag she was carrying!! Seriously talk about what she did in India and how she did as the FM?!

parvez | 13 years ago | Reply She had on a pair of Roberto Cavalle shades and you did not even mention his name - shame, shame.

TL | 13 years ago | Reply why didn't you ever notice these things about benazir bhutto?

shehiryar hassan | 13 years ago | Reply JKJ

Tanzeel Ahmad | 13 years ago | Reply The developed world is not crazy when they appoint experienced and aged FMs who lead their team while negotiating the most complicated foreign matters. We will ask what HRK has achieved during her visit to India, her appointment as FM also questions Zardari's wisdom when it comes to discussing Pakistan matters with the world. I wonder on what basis has she been appointed such a crucial ministry. Can she really compete brains like Kasuri, Bhutto or Qureshi ?

Udaya Bose | 13 years ago | Reply @toobahatif: Why do we earn.. to live lavishly of coarse I liked the spelling of the last word. It just about reflects the Foreign Minister's tastes.

fatima | 13 years ago | Reply I beleive that the bottom line is that we are a shallow nation!....just look at the way she has dressed herself up, absoultely elegent and decent, with no hint of extrravagence what so ever...n dont u think that it wud be sheer hypocracy at her part if she had hidden that hermes birkin bag of hers back in her closet in lahore and carried a cheaper bag instead just to pretend that we r a poor nation!...she from a rich family background and can afford spending on whatever she wants to.. and just come to think of the fact that if we continue to degrade our own political figures on such open forums (on such petty issues), y wud the other nations even bother respecting them!..its high time we start thinking out of the box!!

GAA | 13 years ago | Reply @Editor Roznama Jawani: Lord! get over this cheesy mind set of portraying well groomed women as a source of amusement all the time. She is our foreign minister and to me it is important that she pleads our side with logic but for this she does not have to appear haggard and ill dressed. Women with looks do have brains admit it ,, if it goes down your male chauvinistic throat.

Ahsan Bukhari | 13 years ago | Reply This is what our Media has become now! Hungry for anything negative... Ranting on some useless topic. So what if she had an expensive hand bag? Personal grudge, exaggeration, Typical Ranting composition ! Someone tell this writer to stop copying dialogues from the Book '' A Case of Exploding Mangoes''. Tribune they call this idiotic paper that is full of crap.@ahsan221:

shayan | 13 years ago | Reply I believe as long as she is getting it from her 'rightful' earnings there is no shame in getting one. stop being a critic. our world is full of critics, people should look upon themselves what are they doing at the first place.

from India | 13 years ago | Reply dear writer, i can truly understand the points you have made in this article.... plz remember that your FM is from a feudal rich family who doesn't even know what poverty and hunger are... if you see rahul gandhi who is probably 100 times more rich than your FM, you will see the simplicity in his dressing and he still doesn't own a car ....although he too is a corrupt politician but he understands that he has to represent india as a common man and not as a niche member of the society !!

waqqas iftikhar | 13 years ago | Reply she isn't qualified for the job - i don't care if she is monica freakin' bellucci....a degree in tourism and hotel management does not constitute requisite training for the job of an FM....aitzaz ahsan wouldve been the perfect fit for this position

Naveed | 13 years ago | Reply interesting you would know how much its worth.!

Naveed | 13 years ago | Reply $10,000 to $15,000........Holy colido....gimme that money i have a family of 3 to feed...would be good for the whole year.

Be Pakistani | 13 years ago | Reply Pointless write-up. Clearly HRK is having a successful visit to India, a difficult task for any FM, and author can' t handle the praise he lady is getting in Indian media.

addy | 13 years ago | Reply i wont say i knew her personally. but i have met her, a couple of time, before she went into politics. she is insanely rich already and married a guy who is filthy rich too. these rich people only care about the poor in speeches. but in reality they have no connection with the poor folks of Pakistan. so when it comes to boasting and flashing their wealth they wont waste a single moment.

sars | 13 years ago | Reply I would much rather have HRK with whatever bag she may carry representing Pakistan.Think of the shudder inducing alternatives bozos like rehman (wives and girlfriends)malik, zulfiqar(verbal diarrhea) mirza and the eternal firdaus (idiot)ashiq awan. The bottom line is that all respectable politicians have deserted this governmant and only scum is left.

myworld | 13 years ago | Reply what's the big deal with all the accesories.....she's a woman and still young and beautiful. May the Almighty bless u and your work Ms Khar.......GOD BLESS PAKISTAN

Swami Pranab Roy | 13 years ago | Reply First time, we Indians felt a friendly Pakistan through HRK at political level. Full points to her. There are no outstanding issues between us except one, i.e. " An Open Hearted Friendship".

Karachi Guy | 13 years ago | Reply Wow !! what a bag !!!

samee | 13 years ago | Reply Oh God, what is this nonsense? why can't we appreciate anything?! so what if she's carrying a Birkin? she can afford it, let her enjoy it! are you only happy when bad press is given for a country!! give it a rest! You DONT have to criticise every damn thing!!!!

Ayesha khan | 13 years ago | Reply I think all Indian meda can do is to create conspiratic issues like star plus dramas as...."aakhir wo bag kahan se aya,..(dhaaa dhaa dhaaaaa the musical effect)...wo glasses(again da musical effect zzzzup zzzzzup an da camera takes each actors close up).....Please act mature an face the reality.if u cant gulp the bag an glasses its only ur problem.for us her work and why she went is mpre important.

Fawad | 13 years ago | Reply With the level comments coming from the pathetic level of "school of thought".. I agree with anyone who says, that this nation DOES deserve a president like Zardari.. Like seriously.. I can bet that most of the ones who commented defending the current FM didnt even know what a Hermes Birkin was.. and I can also bet that none of the commentators all in awe of this one female can actually afford one.. So.. what an amazing mentality we have.. lets ask the FM to pose in a Chanel outfit.. wouldnt that be also an amazing message.. why not? she can afford one.. just like the president and the prime minister of this beggar country who wear 20,000 pounds suits (that even angelina jolie was shocked and sick to see).. and after all.. shes a foreign grad and very much completely suited for this role.. after passing her degree in Hospitality and Hotel management.. waoww..!! lols.. i give up on this nation.. you people deserve to live in misery for the rest of your lives.. peace..

maru | 13 years ago | Reply it is the same as asking, could you not have done without that ac in your home at night or the expensive lawns you adorn yourself in. you are a blogger/writer/student yourself right? do your neighbors know you like that? well then stop living the life the way you do because you know that more than 50 percent of people die in this country out of sheer hunger. pfft jeisey jesiey level barhta hai when you live in a society. the same way your luxuries get new definitions and are soon your needs. clean sweep of mentality is required from a grass root level! why attack the politicians alone? we need to be our own leaders.

Ayesha khan | 13 years ago | Reply Im so proud of Miss Hina Rabbani.She represented the good Image of pakistani educated and well groomed ladies.Theres no doubt tha pakistan is facing problems economically and socially, but that doesnt mean at all that a FORIENG MINISTER cant afford designers stuff...o please...dont under-estimate pakistan this much.though having tough times but pakistan have so many names of which we r proud of in various fields.and above all our Jinnah was a very well dressed and tasteful person.this Nation has talents like Madam Noor Jahan,and Nusrat Fateh Ali,Intellectuals like Qateel shifai,and Faiz Ahmed Faiz, scientiSts like Abdul Qadir Khan, players like Imran Khan and boom boom Afridi, and vwomen like Maliha Lodhi and last but notthe least Benazir Bhutto. Please dont compare Miss Hina Rabbani Khar with indian bollywood ggirls who hav nothin but their bodies to get famous.Hina is much superiour to dem all as she has been acknowledged in the world as the youngest foriengn minister on the basis of herintelligence not for her figure or size zero.please dont try to ruin her decent image by draggin her name into bollywood movies...which hav nothing to do with a dupatta covered girl. The discussion about Hinas bag,glasses,and necklace s is just a cheap tact to waver focus from her charismatic and decent peraonality to a petty issue like bag an jewellry.I want the Indians to know that not only models and dancers like aishwarya,priyanka,Bipasha,and Katrina who make money by all this can afford designers stuff...in Pakistan there are many feudal familieS who live a life of lords and hav a blend of tastful modetn items too. As always Indians hav to make some kinda

Salman | 13 years ago | Reply I can't see any purpose of this article. Is there be any quality check on tribune? can i write an article as well? Don't mean to be rude (to author) but please think seriously and think a lot before writing your articles, it is a responsibility, articles like these will simply confuse some already confused people.

Muhammad | 13 years ago | Reply Worrying enuff to me is the view that is Withheld so firmly ; ""Individual will help Bring About Desired Change To The Lala land" trust me it has helped reform societies and Praise be to be Indian official dressing humbly But Did anyone Notice the Coverage Indian Media Relayed Vis-e-Vis HRK Vs Their Own 'Man'' at The Office and The Coverage Our Channels Are Airing Now Respond , a realisation lacks that these are not just Individuals but decomcratically elected representative holding office on Visit to Yindia our quote unqoute Arch rival ,for heavens critize to the hilt constructively ,abusing and calling names is no critism @Nomi Ansari Thanks for pointing out the ""need"'

Bilal Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply Well done, Atika! If she talks as good as she looks, we will have peace - no doubt about that!

Antebellum | 13 years ago | Reply was it really necessary for a minister from a poor, corruption-stricken There is your answer, right there!

deep | 13 years ago | Reply I agree with the writer - symbolism is important - of course if it translates to genuine simplicity - it would mean empathising with the common man. btw - does she pay taxes?

My Name is Khan | 13 years ago | Reply @ KolachiMom - she should move to India as her future acting/media career is not too bright in Pakistan where she will face constant criticism for being a beautiful woman. Sure, she did not need to carry a very expensive bag. I had to Google it just to learn what on earth a Birkin even is. The more important question we should really be asking is will the Armed Forces and ISI stay out of politics and do their job or will they continue to interfere and prevent Pakistan and India from becoming peaceful, happy neighbors. Mrs. Khar has absolutely no real power to make a deal happen until Pasha and Co. give up their support of terrorism which we Pakistanis well know they have done.

Shayan | 13 years ago | Reply :) ...at least people here haven't given hope. They still were thinking we would get a Foreign Minister based on their credentials and not money/family's political influence/power etc. How she looks or her brands, doesn't matter, I want to see what she does. But I don't have any hopes. The hope that this corrupt/cruel/uncaring government picking a person who understands the people or the the foreign policy matter was never really on the table. She will do what the other ministers have done. But keep discussing you all, thinking or questioning is always a good thing.

Danish Sultan | 13 years ago | Reply Come on people! What is wrong with you? Next thing we know, you're going to have issues over the clothes she wears, maybe her make-up kit brand, or her sandals. Please broaden your vision! There's a lot more to Pakistan and politics that being entangled in hand bags, clothes and apparels.

meh | 13 years ago | Reply so true, Atika. She has a freaking degree in Hotel Management. And she's chosen to represent the entire country.

Shamy | 13 years ago | Reply wat the hell was this ??...wen we dont portray ourselves well...we criticize...wen we do...we criticize...wat is wrong with us ???

tauseef | 13 years ago | Reply M.Sc in Hotel Management and Foreign Minister......? Good Luck Pakistan.

Ms.A | 13 years ago | Reply I agree with the writer. When Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge can wear high street brands then why the hell cant our politicians carry a Charles & Keith bag?

Tehmina | 13 years ago | Reply So wait a second. I'm from a rich family. We're not landlords we're rich professionals. So if I wanted to become a politician would I have to hide my car and where I live and the good things that I own? Would I have to dress like an old amma with shabby clothes? Wouldn't that be a bad representation of our country? If I looked good then that would be a bad representation of my country too? Please people differentiate between people who are rich because of corruption and people who are rich because they or their parents are smart and hardworking. Oh and yeah, stop hating. The taliban do enough of that for us already.

N Shah | 13 years ago | Reply DUMBEST article ever..........so the point is what exactly?that she carried a birkin? SO WHAT! ..something of more substance should be published and if its satire on something...........shouldnt it be fun to read and have a point instead of stupid babble and filling column space just because it might not have anything else to publish? hugely disappointed Tribune guys..Stupidest 4 mins of my life reading this and those minutes i could never get back. Ugh

toobahatif | 13 years ago | Reply @Azhar: you should think again.. even if u earn above 50 k.. you will definitely start buying brands.. Be it Levi ya Berkini.. So mate jalna choro...its in her power of buying so she bought it BIG DEAL! STOP WHINING about we deserve Zardari or Gillani..

indian | 13 years ago | Reply that @fotespeaks is, fyi, a right-wing extremist nut

King Kong | 13 years ago | Reply Now I understand how we use the billions of dollars we get in aid each year.

san | 13 years ago | Reply Handbag is female issue and we male do not have any problem with either women carry handbag or not. Between she has every right to spend as much on accessories stuff as our PM, President and Army Chief has. We all knew very well that how corrupt our governement is. Atleast Ms Khar has that beauty and glamour which our other politician seriously lack.

Orianz | 13 years ago | Reply yr she is politician by background and she is running a famous hotel i think she can afford such hand bags..

KolachiMom | 13 years ago | Reply The Indian delegates would have given her India had she asked, they were drooling that much. LOL

Amal Hafiez | 13 years ago | Reply Oh c'mon! HRK is a well to do woman who can afford to buy expensive bags. I know through authentic sources that she was present at flood-hit sites last year and took several trucks full of aid for the those affected. People like HRK who share their wealth should be respected and not criticised.

Noman Ansari | 13 years ago | Reply This article is absolutely spot on. Again, we need a feminism movement in this country. [sarcasm] Women love to be judged by their looks, and not their qualifications, or by their professional excellence. [/sarcasm] Undeniably, Ms. Rabbani is an attractive woman, who dresses with class. Does anyone for the slightest second believe that she would rather be known for that than the job she has been selected to perform?

Madeeha Chaudhry | 13 years ago | Reply I completely agree with the writer. It's not about "hating" or being "jealous" at all.. again the very POINT of the article is being lost when people make comments such as that. The point she is trying to make, she succeeds at making when she asks if it was necessary for a minister from a poor, corruption-stricken country to be carrying such an exclusive brand. Hermes is famous for making highly pricey personal items, the Birkin bag being one of their most exclusive items, ranging from, as the writer correctly points out, $9,000-$15,000. Lavish living is what our parliamentarians and politicians are famous for. Not proving to be excellent governments, improving the conditions of education in our country, providing the nation with the very basic necessities of life, getting rid of terrorism that's plagued the country for nearly 5 years now, getting rid of the bureaucratic red-tapeism and nepotism which makes our public service perhaps the most pathetic choice for a profession... but for spending millions that they are being given as allowance (on what? Birkins?), running state-provided vehicles into the ground and the like. Just because Hina Rabbani Khar has the word "Khar" attached to the end of her name does not excuse her from acting in bad taste. She sends out exactly the same message that so many people from the "nouveau riche" classes send out.. "MISPLACED PRIORITIES" (It's all about what bag I'm carrying or what shoe I'm wearing, not whether I'm doing anything useful with my life or what I can do for society). Lastly, I'd like to add, being well-groomed has nothing to do with the price tag of the item you wear. She could've carried a $150 Michael Kors bag and still sent out a message stating "We Pakistanis are well-to-do and carry designer wear!"

The Forbidden Fruit | 13 years ago | Reply No she should have dressed up as a faqeer! Do we ask ourselves the same question of being a spendthrift from a poor country when we buy chunky gold jewelry? No. Not every woman has the guts to break free of the societal norms of advertising one's status.

Sabih | 13 years ago | Reply Of all the things you could have criticized, you choose her bag. I ask you a similar question, isn't what she is carrying in her official folder more important than her hand bag? Yet you choose to take out your anger on the bag.

Habiba Younis | 13 years ago | Reply So whats the big deal? useless blog

Amer | 13 years ago | Reply What else did anyone expect from a rubber stamp FM? She has no say in the forgien policy of the country or anything else, just there to fill up an empty seat.

Azhar | 13 years ago | Reply After reading the comments from people who do not find anything wrong with this show of luxury all i can say is that our stupid nation deserves leaders like Zardari.

Alia | 13 years ago | Reply Dear Writer, Correction, that was NOT Cobalt blue that she wore. It's more of a musky, teal blue. Secondly, I'm glad only the color of her outfit and handbag have caught your notice. How about the fact she is trying? and spoke well?

toobahatif | 13 years ago | Reply Seriously?? Hermes Birkin? Come on dude.. just because she is a minister of Pakistan doesn't mean she cant exhibit one exclusive brand! Why do we earn.. to live lavishly of coarse! When Hina Rabbani Khar is a daughter of one the biggest land lords and most influential Political family.. she has every right to wear what ever she likes .. You cant question that!

Faraz Talat | 13 years ago | Reply I don't see the foreign minister's taste in handbags and other accessories as an issue.

Tanoli | 13 years ago | Reply She is from one of punjab richest fuedal land lord family she can buy any thing and nothing wrong with that.

Yawer Amin | 13 years ago | Reply aw well i must say that its good to point these things but these pointing are useless in the country where all politicians are billionaire! Hermes Birkin? is just nothing and not unbelievable ! ! i mean who doesnot know HRK'S status ?

God Father | 13 years ago | Reply @ahsan221: and you actually wasted a few more while posting!

Wazir Chandio | 13 years ago | Reply haha jealous much

SNM | 13 years ago | Reply Hah! Totally agree with the writer, I'm too in favor for well groomed stylish ladies but the important part was that its high time that as a nation we give vanity a back seat and focus on talent. HRK still has to prove her worth as an FM and above all as representative of the country. O btw did anyone noticed how simply dressed Indian female politicians are-- leave the dressing aside but a total Respect for their nationalist spirit p.s they DON'T carry a Birkin ;)

muhammad | 13 years ago | Reply Wuff ! whats wrong with these media reports she really no bodys looking at the fact that she did carry her self gracefully it Patriachial society could come to term that a lady could do it as well as professionally ,no one seems to remember that prior visit by our foreign secretary and hand shakes with the Indian lady incharge of office was never brought up Taking the fashion hubla in the press about the way she dressed and the brands she endorses i would be proud that finally there is competitor for First lady in france (i.e in the dress and fashion areena ) what the hecks Wrong

Tanoli | 13 years ago | Reply Bhenji like subzy wala said to lady.

Editor Roznama Jawani | 13 years ago | Reply Hope she is not offered a role next to SRK.. in RAB Ne Banadi Jodi 2

ahsan221 | 13 years ago | Reply Ohh comeon Tribune put some quality news.. so we can click and read...just wasted my 2 mins on this useless report..

Fahad Raza | 13 years ago | Reply Now I can all criticize her when she is at home, but when she abroad. No way!! she is our Graceful Minister and no doubt she looks... Gorgeous.

Nas | 13 years ago | Reply you are jealous of her

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