Erica Robin, a fashion model from Karachi, has been chosen to represent Pakistan in the Miss Universe pageant for the first time. However, this decision has been met with criticism from some Pakistanis.

Following her crowning moment in Maldives earlier this month, Robin said: I am honored and humbled to be the first ever Miss Universe Pakistan, and I want to highlight the beauty of Pakistan. We have a beautiful culture that the media is not talking about, Pakistani people are very generous, kind, and hospitable. On top of that, I would like to invite everyone to visit my country and try the most sumptuous Pakistani cuisines and explore our enchanting nature, our snow-capped mountains, our greeneries, and our progressive landscapes.”

But the 24-year-old beauty queen faced intense backlash despite her success.

Murtaza Solangi, the Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting in Pakistan, took to Twitter to clarify that the government has not designated any individual to represent the country in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant.

“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,” Solangi tweeted.

In an article on daijiworld.com, Jamaat-e-Islami's Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan said: "It is shameful to prepare young women for the Miss Universe pageant and organise the Miss Pakistan pageants. This is an insult to Pakistan. Women of Pakistan are insulted and exploited. Who are the organizers of this beauty pageant in Pakistan? Who is doing this shameful act? Government should bring them forward. Who has authorized her to represent Pakistan? Is this the decision of the government of Pakistan? Caretaker Prime Minister should immediately clarify the position of his government and stop this ridicule, humiliation of Pakistani women in the name of beauty pageants. This is a deliberate game being played with the religious sentiments of the Muslims of Pakistan."

Seasoned journalist Mariana Baabar praised Robin, saying that anyone can  represent Pakistan.

"Pakistan belongs to all. Every Pakistani can represent anywhere, whenever, however. Ladies n Gentlemen, Karachi's Erica Robin was crowned the winner of the first-ever Miss Universe Pakistan. Beauty and Brains!" said Mariana, in the same article.

 Robin also acknowledged feeling pressure to represent her country globally.

“However, I won’t do anything that would harm the reputation of the country,” she said, during an interview for the Voice of America.

The 72nd Miss Universe Competition will be held in El Salvador on Nov. 18. More than 80 lovely candidates will vie for the title of 2023 Miss Universe.