Pakistan’s first-ever representative at the Miss Universe pageant Erica Robin, who vowed to be “an ambassador for peace and goodwill”, is facing immense backlash in her homeland ahead of her debut at the Miss Universe beauty pageant.
Karachi-based model Erica Robin won the ‘Miss Universe Pakistan title last week. She is currently preparing to represent Pakistan at the Miss Universe competition in El Salvador scheduled to be held next month.
It should be noted that Ms Robin is the first model from Pakistan to ever earn a spot in the international competition.
“I want to show the beautiful side of Pakistan, away from all the negativity and hate that we see on some media outlets,” Erica Robin, 24, tells The National. “I also confirmed numerous times that I will wear a burkini as I have an immense respect of our culture – and it’s also my personal choice.”
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But her participation has raised some eyebrows in Pakistan, prompting caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul-Haq Kakar to order an investigation last month.
A religious scholar, Taqi Usmani, criticized Robin while disapproving of the beauty pageant and demanded the government take action against those who had organized the event. Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan of the Jamaat-e-Islami party tweeted, “Who are the organizers of this beauty pageant in Pakistan? Who is doing this shameful act?”
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While some have criticized the swimsuit round of the competition, it is not required that Miss Universe finalists wear bikinis on stage. Manar Nadeem Deyani, a representative of Bahrain, was met with thunderous applause when she entered the swimsuit round at the Miss Universe 2021 competition wearing a fully covered and flowing athletic attire.
Critics have also questioned the decision to permit a non-government organization to select a Pakistani delegate. However, anyone can own the franchise to host a regional pageant in accordance with Miss Universe regulations. For instance, Miss Universe Pakistan, Miss Universe Bahrain, and Miss Universe Egypt are all owned by the Dubai-based Yugen Group.
