Pakistan’s Miss Universe pageant entrant has been branded “shameful” by politicians from her country.
Erica Robin, 24, hails from Karachi and is set to represent the country at the upcoming beauty pageant after being nominated as Pakistan’s representative.
It’s the first time in the pageant’s 72-year history that the country has sent a representative to the Miss Universe finals.
However, Robin’s nomination hasn’t come without controversy. The beauty queen has faced considerable backlash from predominantly conservative voices in her country over her appearance in the show.
So why is her appearance in Miss Universe considered so controversial?
Who is Erica Robin?
Erica Robin is a 24-year-old beauty queen and fashion model who is originally from Karachi, Pakistan. According to the BBC, she’s part of the Christian community, a minority religion among Pakistan’s predominantly Muslim population.
Prior to becoming a model, she reportedly studied business administration. Earlier this year, she was crowned Miss Universe Pakistan, securing her spot as the country’s representative in the upcoming Miss Universe competition in El Salvador.
Speaking about her nomination, Robin said: “I am honored and humbled to be the first ever Miss Universe Pakistan and I want to highlight the beauty of Pakistan.
She added: “We have a beautiful culture that the media is not talking about. Pakistani people are very generous, kind, and hospitable. On top of that, I would like to invite everyone to visit my country and try the most sumptuous Pakistani cuisines and explore our enchanting nature, our snow-capped mountains, our greeneries, and our progressive landscapes.”
What criticism has she faced?
Despite sending a warm invite for people to visit Pakistan’s beautiful landscapes, Robin has faced some criticism for taking part in the competition.
The backlash has largely come from conservative male figures in Pakistan.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, who is currently serving as caretaker PM in Pakistan, suggested that the pageant franchise was an “insult and exploitation of women of Pakistan”.
He has reportedly ordered an investigation into why the Pakistani segment of the pageant was held without government approval.
Another politician called Mushtaq Ahmed Khan wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Who are the organisers of this beauty pageant in Pakistan? Who is doing this shameful act?”
The pageant was seemingly brought to their attention by journalist Ansar Abbasi, who also wrote: “Who allowed five Pakistani girls to represent Pakistan in the Miss Universe beauty pageant? Either, it was decided by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar or this decision was taken by any of his cabinet members or advisers?”
A representative for Robin and the Miss Universe pageant has been approached by the Evening Standard for comment.
Why is Pakistan against the pageant?
Not everyone in Pakistan is against the Miss Universe pageant. What’s more, Robin has received considerable support on social media from her community about representing her country.
However, Pakistan is a patriarchal country, which has been a detriment to women’s rights.
Although there are technically no restrictions in Pakistan over entering a beauty pageant, it’s believed by some to be against Islamic beliefs.
Speaking to the BBC about the backlash, Robin said: “It feels great to represent Pakistan. But I don’t understand where the backlash is coming from. I think it is this idea that I would be parading in a swimsuit in a room full of men.”
Women’s rights in Pakistan
In 1973, Pakistan became an Islamic state that would be governed in line with Islamic religious laws. In recent years, clerics have sometimes voiced opinions against giving women more protections in the country.
A report citing the World Bank highlighted that just 22 per cent of women work in Pakistan — one of the lowest percentages in the world.
While women’s rights appear to have been eroded in recent years, women across the country continue to campaign for improved circumstances.
Earlier this year, thousands of women joined protests across Pakistan to celebrate International Women’s Day, chanting: “Women have woken up!” despite trying to be shut down by police.
