Erica Robin, the first Pakistani to compete for Miss Universe, sparks controversy. Reasons why

 Erica Robin, the first Pakistani to compete for Miss Universe, sparks controversy. Reasons why

A storm of criticism has been sparked by Erica Robin's representative of Pakistan in the Miss Universe Pakistan beauty competition. Conservative voices in the nation have been especially outraged by the choice and are furious with the organizers for allowing Robin to participate, reportedly without the nation's agreement.

Because beauty pageants are uncommon in the Muslim-majority nation, Pakistan's decision to send a woman to represent the country at the competition is important.

In a pageant held in the Maldives, Robin, a 25-year-old Christian from Karachi, defeated four other contestants to win the title of Miss Universe Pakistan. Hira Inam (24), Jessica Wilson (28), Malika Alvi (19), and Sabrina Wasim (26), with whom she competed, were defeated. 

Later this year, she will compete in the Miss Universe competition as Pakistan's representative. For the first time in the competition's 72-year history, Pakistan has nominated a participant, and she is participating as a result.

R'Bonney Gabriel, the winner of Miss Universe 2022, will crown her successor in Miss Universe 2023, which will take place in El Salvador in November.

When questioned about her goals for her country during the selection process, Erica Robin said that she wanted to alter the idea that Pakistan is a backward country.

Her nomination has, however, led to a response that is consistent with the same image she is trying to dispel.

Controversy

Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of the Jamaat-e-Islami party in Pakistan said, "Who are the organizers of this beauty pageant in Pakistan? " after Robin won the Miss Universe Pakistan competition. Who is doing this despicable act?

Additionally Read | Welsh lady dies after choking on marshmallows

Not only that, but the interim prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has requested the nation's intelligence agency to open an investigation into the pageant's organizers to ascertain how they were able to do so without Pakistan's consent on her behalf.

Kakar described the whole incident as a "shameful act" and a "insult and exploitation of women of Pakistan".

Comments by Erica Robin 

Erica Robin responded to the uproar by expressing her eagerness to represent Pakistan and her bewilderment at the criticism.

It feels amazing to represent Pakistan, she remarked. But I fail to comprehend the source of the reaction. I believe it is the notion that I would parade around a room full of guys in a swimsuit.