ISLAMABAD: Despite the caretaker government’s decision to disassociate itself from the event, fashion model Erica Robin has emerged victorious, earning the esteemed privilege of representing Pakistan on the global stage at the forthcoming Miss Universe competition in November.
The competition was meticulously organized by the Dubai-based firm Yugen Group, which previously declared its acquisition of the Miss Universe Pakistan rights in March. Yugen Group has taken on the responsibility of selecting and sending Pakistan’s inaugural representative to the internationally acclaimed Miss Universe competition, an annual beauty pageant steeped in tradition since its inception in 1952. This year’s edition of Miss Universe is slated to transpire in November at El Salvador.
For the first time in its history, Miss Universe will spotlight a Pakistani woman among its global contestants, hailing from over 90 nations. Erica Robin earned her crown as Miss Universe Pakistan by triumphing over four other finalists chosen from a pool of more than 200 contestants from across the globe, as confirmed by the event organizers.
Expressing her sentiments on Instagram, Robin expressed her profound honor and humility as the first-ever Miss Universe Pakistan. She articulated her intent to showcase the beauty of Pakistan, emphasizing its rich culture, often overlooked by the media. Robin also lauded the generosity, kindness, and hospitality of the Pakistani people.
The pageant featured four additional models from diverse regions of Pakistan, namely Hira Inam from Lahore, Jessical Wilson from Rawalpindi, Pakistani-American Malika Alvi from Pennsylvania, and Sabrina Wasim.
Josh Yugen, the national director of Miss Universe Pakistan, underscored the significance of this historic win, describing it as a momentous occasion for both the competition and Pakistan. He noted that, for the first time, a Pakistani woman would bear the name of Pakistan in the world’s premier beauty pageant, carrying with her the compelling stories of more than 210 million Pakistanis from all corners of the globe.
However, it is important to note that the caretaker government has distanced itself from the competition and its contestants. Information Minister Murtaza Solangi clarified the government’s stance, stating that it had not officially endorsed any individual to represent the country in the Miss Universe beauty contest.