The ‘Miss Universe Pakistan’ declares she will wear a burkini amid criticism.
Entertainment Desk : dhakamirror.com
Erica Robin is set to represent Pakistan at the 72nd Global Miss Universe Pageant, which stands as one of the longest-running beauty contests.
Pakistan’s first-ever representative at the Miss Universe pageant has vowed to be “an ambassador for peace and goodwill”, even as news of her participation sparks backlash in her country.
“I want to show the beautiful side of Pakistan, away from all the negativity and hate that we see on some media outlets,” Erica Robin tells The National. “I also confirmed numerous times that I will wear a burkini as I have an immense respect of our culture – and it’s also my personal choice.”
Robin, 24, a model from Karachi, won the title last month, and will be the first to represent Pakistan at the global competition, one of the longest-running and most-watched beauty pageants, now in its 72nd year.
Robin, who is from Pakistan’s minority Christian community, says Miss Universe is a great platform to “showcase the best of what women can achieve in any field they have chosen”.
“This platform has evolved to advocate and empower causes to make the world a better place to live,” she says.
Reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel from the US will crown her successor at the next Miss Universe pageant to be held in El Salvador in November. More than 80 countries are set to be represented at the competition, to be spread across a number of weeks, with the winner crowned at a glitzy finale on November 18.
– Input from The National was used in this article.
