Mixed reactions as TikToker’s bold video becomes Twitter top trend

Every now and then, a rather strange word or phrase trends on Twitter, and this time around, it was the word ‘shalwar’. Shalwar – which is a desi version of a loose, baggy trouser, was seen trending among the top spots on Pakistan’s Twitter. Why so? Let’s check it out.

It all started when TikTok star named Alina, who goes by the handle @alinakhanana took to the app to share a short clip of herself. In the video, she was seen sporting a desi, Pakistani style kameez (equivalent of shirt) which usually goes down to one’s knees. These kameezes are often paired with a shalwar to go along, which also make for the most common dress worn by Pakistanis and desis around the world. Access to her tweets is limited.

Pakistani Tiktoker @alinakhanana shared her recent video without Shalwar by saying that there is no need of shalwar anymore and the #Shalwar on twitter is now trending ⚠️🔴#shalwar pic.twitter.com/7mVubEwyXQ

— What's Up Today (@WhatsUpTodayORG) November 21, 2021

In the video, the user was seen posing in a black kameez. However, she had decided to not pair it with a shalwar. She captioned her video and wrote: “I love going out without pants.” Within moments, her tweet had gone viral all over social media. In fact, she also gained over 10,000 followers on Twitter since the video was posted.

Post the video, many took to social media to share their reactions on the same, which in turn, caused ‘shalwar’ to trend on Pakistani Twitter. Others continued to wonder how a random word like shalwar could make for the country’s top trend on social media.

Here’s what some of the reactions stated:

https://twitter.com/ufff_arooj/status/1461373514833973252

In Pakistan most of the people send there son's to learn Islamic teaching's which is not limited to Al Quran. We have to teach our women Islam and Quran, if not then this is the result of your teaching.#shalwar pic.twitter.com/yUOG5BzWi1

— Wassi (@WasiqRaptor90) November 19, 2021

Every masterpiece has a cheap copy 😂#shalwar pic.twitter.com/nOGdsWnabi

— ... (@oyedaktar_) November 20, 2021

Me after seeing #shalwar on trending pic.twitter.com/HMudG5SlHK

— 🦋Javeria 🦋 (@itx_jiya_junaid) November 20, 2021

Me after seeing #shalwar on trending pic.twitter.com/jnEpxsqWYB

— Hassan Sheikh (@Sheikh_Chillii) November 19, 2021

Stuff kids do for online attention and overnight fame is scary.

— Baji Please (@BajiPlease) November 19, 2021

You know Twitter has hit rock bottom when stuff like #shalwar starts trending here - all because a flippin' stupid girl wanted attention.

Twitter is a place for intelligent people, conversations and thoughts. Thirst trap belongs to TikTok.

— Baji Please (@BajiPlease) November 19, 2021

Twitter since yesterday😑#shalwar https://t.co/3fc9iiryfQ

— Usman Shahbaz 🇵🇰🇪🇺🇺🇦 (@UsmanSh47046374) November 19, 2021

Her knees are still brighter than my future: pic.twitter.com/mJSktJsUaF

— Abdullah (@Me_Gareeb_hun) November 19, 2021

End of the conversation.
#shalwar pic.twitter.com/bKoA5lJ7Vm

— Insafian (@RealYasir__Khan) November 20, 2021

Nothing to say more than this
#shalwar pic.twitter.com/ScZYVD1jRG

— Hamza (@Hamza95549266) November 21, 2021

Others on social media started making memes on the video. Some showed men posing without shalwars too, whereas other memes saw the likes of Chris Gayle making a shalwar for the girl. Some went to the extent to share that the viral shalwar video might just give them an excuse to sell shalwars at discounted prices on sale. Have a look:

Gender Equality.. 😇😅#shalwar pic.twitter.com/vMO3kdGRWW

— ＡفاＱ🩸 (@pakhtoon_lad) November 20, 2021

Chris Gayle is doing his job. #shalwar pic.twitter.com/JLYaJQsTUx

— Dr.Adeel Hashmi (@Dr_AdeelHashmi) November 20, 2021

After seeing #shalwar on trending
Pakistani clothing brand be like: pic.twitter.com/dHpdthJROM

— bunny (@be___awareee) November 20, 2021

https://twitter.com/oye_paglii/status/1462034946864807942