Meet Erica Robin: Pakistan's first Miss Universe contestant whose selection has been termed 'shameful'

Erica Robin. Pic/Instagram

Erica Robin, 24, has become the first ever Pakistani to represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant. The pageant started in the year 1952 and since then Pakistan has not seen a contestant representing the country. Robin, a christian who hails from the city of Karachi, was chosen as Miss Universe Pakistan among five finalists at a competition held in Maldives. However, Erica's participation has met with severe backlash from the people of Pakistan. Conservative voices have claimed that Robin's participation was made without the country's consent.

Erica Robin was bone in Karachi in 1999. She did her schooling from St. Patrick's Girls High School and then went to Government College of Commerce and Business Administration in Chandigarh. She has credited Pakistani model and actor Vaneeza Ahmed for encouraging her to get into modelling. She has been part of various shoots and fashion shows of Pakistani brands ever since she started modelling in 2020.

Erica Robin emerged as a winner after defeating finalists Hira Inam (24), Jessica Wilson (28), Malika Alvi (19) and Sabrina Wasim (26) at the pageant held in Maldives. It was organised by Dubai-based Yugen Group, which also owns the franchise rights to Miss Universe Bahrain and Miss Universe Egypt. Reportedly, the Miss Universe Pakistan pageant received an "overwhelming" number of applications.

During the selection process on Zoom call, Erica was asked about her aspirations for her country. To this, she replied that she wanted to change the perception that Pakistan is a backward nation.

Erica Robin also has an active social media presence.

"First Ever @missuniversepakistan
‘Pakistan is a beautiful country rich in culture, nature and loving people'
STOP Gender Bias," read the Instagram bio of Erica who has over 50k followers.

After winning the pageant, Erica in a statement said, "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".

Controversy:

Soon after Erica's selection to represent Pakistan at the Miss Universe pageant later this year was announced, her participation was met with opposing voices. Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of the Jamaat-e-Islami party said, "Who are the organisers of this beauty pageant in Pakistan? Who is doing this shameful act?"

The country's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has asked the intelligence agency to launch a probe agsiant the oragniser to find out how thet were able to hold the Miss Universe Pakistan pageant without the approval of the country.

Kakar called it a "shameful act" and an "insult and exploitation of women of Pakistan".

Reacting to the backlash, Erica 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."

Erica Robin will now represent Pakistan at the 72nd Global Miss Universe Pageant in El Salvador in November this year.