From Erica Robin To Misbah Arshad: Bikini, Burkini Or Sari? How Pakistani Beauty Queens Have Faced Dress Debates And Questions Over National Identity

Misbah Arshad is the latest Pakistani beauty queen to step into an international spotlight. The psychology student was recently crowned Miss Universe Pakistan 2026 and is set to represent the country at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico this November. Her win has also revived a conversation that has followed Pakistani pageant contestants for years: how should a woman representing Pakistan dress on an international stage, and who gets to decide what is considered “Pakistani” enough?

From Erica Robin’s decision to wear a burkini at Miss Universe to Roma Riaz defending her choice of a sari, Pakistani beauty queens have repeatedly found their clothing choices scrutinised.

Erica Robin Made History With A Burkini At Miss Universe

In 2023, Erica Robin became the first woman to represent Pakistan at Miss Universe. Her participation itself triggered controversy in Pakistan, with the country’s then-caretaker prime minister calling the pageant a “shameful act” and an “insult and exploitation of women of Pakistan.” At the Miss Universe swimsuit round in El Salvador, Robin chose a pink burkini rather than the swimsuits worn by most contestants. She subsequently finished in the Top 20.

Robin said she had faced backlash after winning the Pakistani title but remained determined to represent what she described as a modern Pakistani identity while highlighting the country’s culture and heritage.

Noor Xarmina And The Push For A Modern Pakistani Identity

Noor Xarmina, crowned Miss Universe Pakistan 2024, followed Robin. She represented Pakistan at Miss Universe 2024 after winning the national title over 21 contestants. Xarmina’s journey was also framed around representation and challenging stereotypes. Raised across multiple countries and with an academic and professional background spanning science, management and finance, she later moved into acting, modelling and pageantry.

At Miss Universe 2024, she also drew attention for a Pakhtun bridal-inspired national costume, using the international stage to showcase an aspect of Pakistani cultural identity.

Roma Riaz Faced A Different Question: Why A Sari?

When Roma Riaz represented Pakistan at Miss Universe 2025, the debate took an unexpected turn. Instead of being questioned for wearing something considered too revealing, she faced criticism from some social-media users for wearing a sari at a gala event. Riaz responded by defending the garment as part of the region’s shared cultural history. She argued that the sari predates modern borders and said she would not allow cultural heritage to be “rewritten or erased.”

Riaz also faced online criticism over her appearance, including comments about her skin tone and body. She pushed back against the trolling, saying she would not apologise for looking like her people.

Now, Misbah Arshad Steps Into The Spotlight

Misbah Arshad’s arrival comes after three successive Miss Universe Pakistan titleholders, Erica Robin, Noor Xarmina and Roma Riaz, each presented different versions of Pakistani identity on the global stage. Arshad, a psychology student who has previously participated in international pageants, will now carry that conversation forward. She has represented Pakistan at pageants including Miss International 2023, and her latest title makes her the fourth Miss Universe Pakistan.

The question surrounding her may therefore extend beyond the crown itself. In a country where pageant contestants have faced criticism over everything from bikinis and burkinis to saris, Misbah’s journey could once again test the boundaries between personal choice, cultural representation and the expectations placed on women representing a nation.

The post From Erica Robin To Misbah Arshad: Bikini, Burkini Or Sari? How Pakistani Beauty Queens Have Faced Dress Debates And Questions Over National Identity appeared first on NewsX.