LAHORE: The drama that is a regular feature on the ramp at PFDC L'Oreal Bridal Week simmered and spilled over to the sidelines, resulting in one designer physically assaulting a journalist at the after party hosted by model Mehreen Syed.

Ali Xeeshan, who showcased his collection Bhagawat at PLBW reportedly punched journalist Raheel Rao — editor-in-chief at Diva magazine — over a critical tweet Rao posted about Xeeshan's collection. Xeeshan, according to eyewitnesses, "manhandled" the journalist. Instep Today, without naming the people involved, reported that "a designer slapped a journalist".

While Rao was also critical of the work of other designers:

only Xeeshan resorted to physical violence against the journalist.

Members of the fashion community were outraged, with some taking a stand against Xeeshan. Not only was Xeeshan asked to leave the party in the aftermath of the brawl, former model Vaneeza Ahmed also revoked her invitation to him for a lunch she hosted for fashion week participants.

Designer Deepak Perwani, speaking to Dawn.com about the incident, condemned Ali Xeeshan's physical violence. "What happened should not have happened. However it must be noted that generally speaking a lot of hard work and emotional as well as financial investment goes into a collection. If a journalist declares your collection as mere garbage straight away, it does impact the response. Journalists should cut people some slack and focus more on reporting with integrity and respect. That being said, physical assault is never the answer."

Designer Mohsin Sayeed of The Pink Tree Company on his Facebook page wrote: "Ali Xeeshan’s behavior is highly despicable and just cannot be justified through any stretch of imagination or line of argument. It is simply condemnable to harass and abuse a journalist for expressing opinion."

"He [Rao] did not retaliate. First it was verbal threats, and then physical violence. "

The Pakistan Fashion Design Council has also taken note of the incident:

Ali Xeeshan later reportedly took to Facebook to write an apology, though the post has since been deleted.