History made! Erica Robin crowned first ever Miss Universe Pakistan, govt calls it ‘disaster’

For the first time in the History of Pakistan, the country has produced a contestant for the Miss Universe pageant, Erica Robin. The ceremony took place at the Brennia Kottefaru resort in Raa Atoll, Maldives on Thursday, where five finalists were chosen out of 200 applicants. Apart from Erica, the other four contestants included 24-year-old Hira Inam, 28-year-old Jessica Wilson, 19-year-old Malika Alvi and 26-year-old Sabrina Wasim.

Miss Universe Pakistan comments after her win

In the run-up to the contest, the five finalists had also done a photo shoot titled ‘The Power in Modesty’.

“I am honoured and humbled to be the first ever Miss Universe Pakistan and I want to highlight the beauty of Pakistan,” Robin said upon winning the Miss Universe Pakistan title.

Robin also spoke about the rich culture of Pakistan in a speech and said “We have a beautiful culture that the media is not talking about. Pakistani people are very kind, generous and hospitable.”

She also invited everyone to Pakistan to explore the country and try the most sumptuous Pakistani cuisines. She also asked people to visit the snow-capped mountains of Pakistan, the greeneries and the progressive landscape of the country.

He also thanked pageant fans in a media appearance before the contest and said “ This is not what I expected and I just want to motivate other women as well who [are] talented and who need a little push to come out of the box and do what they can.”

Dubai-based Yugen Group which also owns the franchise rights to Miss Universe Bahrain and Miss Universe Egypt manages the Miss Uni9verse contest for Pakistan as well.

Pakistan govt’s reaction

The Pakistan Miss Universe contest, however, finds itself in controversy as the Pakistani government and public consider this a disaster.

According to media reports, the government of Pakistan had allegedly not given any permission for the country to conduct a Miss Universe. From Prime Minister Anwaar-Ul-Haq Kakar to the foreign office to the intelligence bureau, the administration of Pakistan is looking into how this event unfolded.

Amid rising debts, economic crisis, electricity shortage and other issues of national interest, the Pakistani government has taken its focus on Robin and Miss Universe Pakistan with Many calling it a “shameful act” and an “insult and exploitation of women of Pakistan”.