Pakistan's first-ever representative at the Miss Universe pageant has vowed to be "an ambassador for peace and goodwill", even as news of her participation sparks backlash in her country.
"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 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."
Robin, 24, a model from Karachi, won the title last month, and will be the first to represent Pakistan at the global competition, one of the longest-running and most-watched beauty pageants, now in its 72nd year.
But her participation has raised some eyebrows in Pakistan, prompting caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul-Haq Kakar to order an investigation last month.
But much of the outrage seems to be misplaced.
While some detractors have spoken out against the contest's swimsuit round, it is not mandatory for Miss Universe contestants to wear bikinis on stage. At the Miss Universe 2021 pageant, Bahrain representative Manar Nadeem Deyani was greeted with loud cheers during the swimsuit round when she walked out in a fully covered and flowing activewear outfit.
Critics have also questioned why a company not affiliated to the government was allowed to choose a representative from Pakistan. However, as per Miss Universe rules, anyone can own the franchise to host a local pageant. For instance, Yugen Group, which is based in Dubai, owns the rights to Miss Universe Pakistan as well as Miss Universe Bahrain and Miss Universe Egypt.
Robin, who is from Pakistan's minority Christian community, says Miss Universe is a great platform to "showcase the best of what women can achieve in any field they have chosen".
"This platform has evolved to advocate and empower causes to make the world a better place to live," she says.
"A lot of people have asked me why I wanted to stay in Pakistan; my answer is very simple – it is my home," she adds. "It is the place where I am grateful to live and where all my dreams came true. It’s not perfect, but I feel I should spread the message of positivity and highlight the goodness in my country, because there is a lot to celebrate in Pakistan."
Reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel from the US will crown her successor at the next Miss Universe pageant to be held in El Salvador in November. More than 80 countries are set to be represented at the competition, to be spread across a number of weeks, with the winner crowned at a glitzy finale on November 18.
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Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel celebrates after winning the 71st Miss Universe competition at the New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Centre in Louisiana. AFP -
Gabriel on stage after being crowned Miss Universe at the 71st Miss Universe pageant, in New Orleans. AP -
Gabriel, back to camera, is hugged by other contestants after being crowned Miss Universe. AP -
Gabriel celebrates after her win. Reuters -
From left, Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel, Miss USA Gabriel and Miss Dominican Republic Andreina Martinez hold hands before the final verdict during the 71st Miss Universe competition in Louisiana. AFP -
Gabriel reacts after being picked among the final three contestants in the final round. AP -
The final five contestants, from left, Miss Dominican Republic Martinez, Miss Curacao Gabriela Dos Santos, Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino, Miss USA Gabriel and Miss Venezuela Dudamel. AP -
Thai businesswoman and owner of Miss Universe pageant Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip speaks during the 71st Miss Universe competition. AFP -
Contestants take part in the final round. AFP -
Gabriel on stage. Reuters -
Miss Trinidad and Tobago Tya Jane Ramey. Reuters -
Miss Spain Alicia Faubel. Reuters -
Miss Australia Monique Riley. AFP -
Miss Canada Amelia Tu. Reuters -
Miss Haiti Mideline Phelizor. Reuters -
Jakrajutatip, left, as owner of the Miss Universe Organisation, presents the ImpactWayv Challenge Award to Miss Thailand Anna Sueangam-iam. AP -
Miss Colombia Maria Fernanda Aristizabal reacts after being selected as the last of the 16 finalists. AP -
Jeannie Mai Jenkins and Olivia Culpo host the competition. Getty Images -
Miss Seychelles Gabriella Gonthier walks through the crowd with fellow contestants for the start of the final round. AP
