22-9-2023 (KARACHI) The recent Miss Universe Pakistan pageant, held in the Maldives, has stirred controversy and ignited a debate on women’s achievements on the international stage and their representation of the country. While many celebrated the crowning of Ms. Erica Robin from Karachi as “Miss Universe Pakistan,” conservative elements expressed their discontent, raising questions about how someone could officially represent Pakistan without official endorsement.
The first-ever Miss Universe Pakistan event featured five contestants from the country and was organized by the Dubai-based company Yugen Group, which holds franchise rights for Miss Universe Bahrain and Miss Universe Egypt. Ms. Robin’s victory earned both praise and criticism.
Religious scholar Mr. Taqi Usmani called for government action against the pageant organizers and argued that the impression that these women were “representing Pakistan” should be dispelled. Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan of the Jamaat-i-Islami party deemed participation in such pageants “shameful” for Pakistan. Journalist Ansar Abbasi questioned which government official had approved sending Pakistani women to the competition.
In response to the criticism, Information Minister Murtaza Solangi clarified that the government had not officially nominated anyone for such activities. Media reports suggested that the Foreign Office might have weighed in on the matter, but spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch denied issuing any statements on the issue.
While the official scrutiny generated controversy, some criticized the government for making a non-issue more significant. Zohra Yusuf, a human rights activist and former chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, condemned the targeting of women who achieve international recognition, citing previous instances involving education activist Malala Yusufzai and journalist-filmmaker Sharmeen Chinoy.
On social media, many expressed their support for Ms. Robin, emphasizing that every Pakistani has the right to represent the country on the global stage. Journalist Mariana Baabar stressed that Pakistan belongs to all its citizens.
In an interview with VOA Urdu, Ms. Robin acknowledged the responsibility that comes with being the first-ever Pakistani entrant to Miss Universe, pledging not to engage in any behavior that would tarnish the country’s reputation. She viewed the opportunity as an honor to represent Pakistan internationally and expressed her commitment to upholding its name.
Notably, Pakistani model and actress Vaneeza Ahmed, who encouraged Ms. Robin to pursue modeling, congratulated her and questioned the criticism surrounding her achievement. She pointed out the inconsistency in how men’s and women’s achievements were perceived in international competitions, emphasizing the need to support and celebrate women’s accomplishments.
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