Who is Erica Robin? Pakistan's first-ever Miss Universe faces ire of Anwar-Ul-Kakar govt

Last Thursday, 24-year-old Erica Robin made history by winning the inaugural Miss Universe Pakistan pageant held in the Maldives. However, what should have been a moment of celebration has turned into a controversy that involves politicians, religious leaders, and even the country's caretaker prime minister.

Erica Robin, a Karachi-born model with a degree in Business Administration, emerged victorious in the groundbreaking pageant. Her win marked the first time Pakistan had participated in the global Miss Universe competition. Nevertheless, the backlash against her victory has been swift and intense, with critics from various sectors expressing their disapproval.

Islamic scholar Taqi Usmani demanded government action against the pageant organisers and disputed the idea that Robin was "representing Pakistan."

Politician Mushtaq Ahmed Khan labeled the event an "insult to Pakistan" and questioned the organisers' identity.

Robin's journey to Miss Universe Pakistan amid controversy

Erica Robin's journey to the Miss Universe Pakistan crown began when Dubai-based agency Yugen Group organised the inaugural pageant and invited applications from Pakistani women. Among hundreds of entries, Robin secured her place among the top 10 contestants and eventually made it to the top five.

After her victory, she expressed her honour and humility at being the first Miss Universe Pakistan, emphasising her desire to highlight Pakistan's culture and inviting others to explore her country's rich offerings.

“I am honored and humbled to be the first ever Miss Universe Pakistan and I want to highlight the beauty of Pakistan. 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," she wrote in an Instagram post.

The controversy surrounding the pageant escalated when the caretaker government of Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar called for an investigation into the event's organisers. Kakar labeled the pageant's staging as a "shameful act" and an "insult and exploitation of women of Pakistan."

Minister for information and broadcasting in Pakistan, Murtaza Solangi, said on X (formerly Twitter): “The government and state of Pakistan are represented by state and government institutions. Our government has not designated any non-state and non-governmental person or institution for any such activity and no such person/institution can represent the state/government. The end.”

The Pakistan government has questioned how the competition was held without its approval, considering Pakistan's conservative Muslim-majority status. While the fallout continues, it remains uncertain whether Erica Robin will be allowed to represent Pakistan in the 72nd Global Miss Universe Pageant scheduled for November in El Salvador.

Despite the ongoing debate and backlash, some voices have emerged in support of Erica Robin, emphasising the importance of representation and condemning misogynistic attitudes.

This incident has ignited discussions on the role of beauty pageants in Pakistan and the larger context of women's rights and empowerment in the country.