Erica Robin has earned the title of ‘Miss Universe Pakistan’ this year but without any nomination from the Government of Pakistan.

Robin, 24, from Karachi, was among the five finalists at the event. Hira Inam, 24, from Lahore, Jessica Wilson, 28, from Rawalpindi, Pakistani-origin American Malika Alvi, 19, from Pennsylvania, and Sabreena Waseem, 26, from Punjab were the other four contenders.

The event was held in Dubai by Yugen Group, which also has franchise rights for Miss Universe Bahrain and Miss Universe Egypt.

But the government has said it has not allowed any organisation or institution for any such activity.

“The government and the state of Pakistan are represented by the state and government institutions. Our government has not designated any non-state and non-governmental person or institution for any such activity and no such person/institution can represent the state/government,” said interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He said in this reply to a query from journalist Ansar Abbasi who sought the government’s response on the beauty contest.

But Robin said that it was an honour for her to become ‘Miss Universe Pakistan’ and she took part in the contest to highlight positive image of the country.

The 24-year-old winner of the contest added that she would urge everyone to visit Pakistan.

In her previous interview, she lamented that models were promoted in Pakistan and the many people have a bad impression about the people associated with the field.

She went on to add that modeling was also a difficult job to do that requires 10 to 12 hours job per day.