The first ever Miss Universe Pakistan has been crowned. Erica Robin, 24, a professional model who lives in Karachi, won the title over four other finalists. The event took place in the Maldives because pageants are not allowed in Muslim-majority Pakistan. Swipe to the last slide to watch her coronation.
Once the news of Robin’s coronation was posted on social media, Pakistan’s Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said that the government had not nominated anyone to represent Pakistan at Miss Universe pageant. Solangi was responding to a journalist’s post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) who had asked as to who in the government had given permission to five women in the contest.
“The government and the state of Pakistan are represented by the state and government institutions. Our government has not nominated any non-state or non-governmental person or institution for any such activity, nor can any such person or institution represent the state or government. Period,” the minister said in his post on X.”
If the five finalists had not been permitted to enter the contest, then it is fair to assume that MU Pakistan franchise owner and organizer Josh Yugen had failed to contact the Pakistani government to ask for permission. But since the contest was held outside Pakistan (which is currently experiencing a severe financial and political crisis), it was only logical to hold it in a safe and stable country like the Maldives.
Robin will now compete for the next edition of Miss Universe which will be held in El Salvador on November 18.