A controversy has been doing the rounds in Pakistan for the last few weeks. Actually, Pakistan recently sent model Erica Robin, winner of the Miss Universe Pakistan title, to represent the nation at the Miss Universe beauty pageant, which has sparked anger among the country’s conservatives. India’s neighbour had recently organised the nation’s very first Miss Universe Pakistan event, and the winner, a minority girl from the Christian community, was crowned Miss Universe Pakistan. Erica Robin, a model in her early 20s, is very excited and elated to represent her motherland, Pakistan, and is eyeing making the entire country proud by winning the prestigious crown of Miss Universe.

What Is The Controversy All About?

Pakistan rarely organises beauty pageants, and a large section of the society there believes that Erica Robin, a Christian minority girl, should not represent Pakistan globally in any kind of beauty pageant. Citing Pakistan’s conservative nature, many Pakistanis have started questioning who gave Erica the right to represent the nation! The online as well as offline backlash has compelled the Pakistani higher authorities to initiate an official investigation into the matter. On the other hand, the Miss Universe Pakistan title winner, who is excited to represent her motherland, defended herself and said that she seeks to change the global perception of Pakistan as a backward nation.

Insights From The Recent Development

Erica Robin will soon make her presence felt at the Miss Universe stage and grab the world’s attention. El Salvador is the destination chosen to organise the main Miss Universe event this time. Soon after reaching the pageant site, the young model from Pakistan shared a beautiful, heartwarming message on her Instagram account. She wrote that she feels blessed and special that she got the chance to represent Pakistan and meet 90 other divas from all over the world. The Miss Universe Pakistan title winner looks forward to highlighting equality and proposing sisterhood with fellow contestants at the pageant. Tonnes of support and adoration are also showering on Miss Erica on social media, and fans from all over the world are appreciating the girl’s brave attempt to fight all odds to reach such a grand platform.

When Did The Controversy Begin?

Starting from the moment Erica Robin was crowned Miss Universe Pakistan last September, she started facing flak from the right-wing section of the society of Pakistan. Her pageant participation is being seen as incompatible with Pakistan’s values and beliefs by a certain group of people. A representative from one of the right-wing groups in the nation described Erica Robin’s participation in the Miss Universe beauty pageant as utterly “shameful”.

A few others even demanded the Pakistani national ruling government denounce the international pageant altogether. The young model’s pageant run is being perceived by a few Pakistani groups as disrespectful to Pakistani women, along the lines of gender, morality, as well as faith. A huge section of the Pakistani society is of the opinion that beauty pageants that are centred around women objectify them and also promote unhealthy beauty standards among girls.

Let’s Celebrate Womanhood

The Miss Universe Pakistan title winner is already grabbing the attention of the worldwide media. She is the newest source of hope and inspiration, not only for many Pakistani women but also for thousands of other women from all over the world who are fighting for their rights. In these days, Erica Robin has been a busy bee by endorsing Pakistani fashionable outfits and quoting Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai on social media platforms. Miss Robin is also seen promoting Smile Train, which is a charity programme that sponsors cleft operations across Pakistan and also outside the country.

What’s Next?

Surrounded by breathtaking scenic beauty, this year’s Miss Universe beauty pageant will be held in El Salvador, where the reigning Miss Universe from last year will pass her Miss Universe crown to any of the 90 contestants. Yet even as Erica Robin displays her sash inscribed with her motherland’s name in a few of the rounds, many at home are planning to boycott her. In the past, Pakistan has never voted in favour of religious parties in massive numbers. Although religious right-wing parties have never won sufficient seats to form a government in Pakistan, they have succeeded to weaponize issues of morality and faith sometimes.

According to the Global Gender Gap Index report, Pakistan lies at the bottom end of 156 countries. Interestingly, Pakistan is placed at 145th position for economic participation, 143rd for survival and healthcare, 135th for educational standards, and lastly, 95th for political empowerment. Against this backdrop, there are many Pakistanis who strongly believe that Erica Robin’s exposure to the Miss Universe pageant can have a positive impression on the image of Pakistan on the global front.