As news broke that a local woman would participate in the Miss Universe beauty pageant, a backlash was forming within Pakistan. In Pakistan, where the official religion is Islam, there is a negative perception of women’s body exposure and social activities.
According to the BBC on the 15th (local time), Pakistani woman Erica Robin (24) will represent her country and participate in the Miss Universe beauty pageant to be held in El Salvador in November.
In an interview with the media, Erica said, “I am happy to represent Pakistan,” and added, “I don’t know why there is anger (in Pakistan toward me).”
When asked why he was participating in the Miss Universe beauty pageant, he answered, “I want to change the perception that Pakistan is an underdeveloped country.”
The Pakistani government has never nominated a Miss Universe representative in 72 years. It is interpreted that Pakistan is making this move because its state religion is Islam, which restricts women’s physical exposure and social activities.
Upon hearing the news that Robin would participate in Miss Universe, Pakistan Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar reportedly ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the selection of Miss Pakistan.
Criticism regarding this also came from Pakistani political circles. Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, a member of the Pakistani political party Jamaat Islami, criticized the incident, calling it “a shame.” In particular, male netizens in Pakistan are known to be harshly criticizing Erica.
On the other hand, progressive figures in Pakistan are supporting Erica through social networking services (SNS).
Pakistani model Banija Ahmed, who first encouraged Erica to pursue modeling, raised the question in an interview with ‘Voice of America Urdu’, asking, “Why do men have a problem with women’s achievements in international competitions?”
Choi Jae-ho,
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.