“I want to be the change for the beauty standard.”
Some delegates of Miss Universe 2025 have already sparked major public conversations, but few as passionately as Miss Universe Pakistan 2025, Roma Riaz.
The British-Pakistani model has drawn both admiration and criticism after being deemed by some as “too dark” to represent Pakistan on the international stage.
Roma Riaz, who was crowned Miss Universe Pakistan 2025, comes from a Punjabi Christian family and was raised in the United Kingdom.
She proudly represents Pakistan in the upcoming Miss Universe contest, using her platform to challenge narrow beauty ideals and promote inclusivity.
Her advocacy focuses on dismantling colour bias and encouraging broader representation of beauty across Pakistan’s diverse cultural landscape.
Pakistan’s population is ethnically varied, with complex ancestry tracing back to Central Asian, Persian, and Turkish roots.
Despite this diversity, fairer skin tones are often idealised, leaving little space for those with darker complexions.
Roma, who is dark-skinned and plus-sized, has therefore faced relentless online criticism questioning her ability to represent Pakistan.
Yet, not everyone shares that narrow view.
Many social media users have defended Roma, praising her for redefining Pakistani beauty standards.
One X user wrote, “Why do people find it hard to believe pale people exist in Bangladesh and darker tones exist in Pakistan? They’re both beautiful in their own ways.”
Roma herself is no stranger to the scrutiny surrounding her background.
In interviews, she has revealed that people have often told her, “You’re so dark, you can’t be Pakistani,” or “You’re Christian, so you’re not really Pakistani.”
For her, taking part in Miss Universe 2025 is not just about wearing a crown, but reclaiming her identity.
“This pageant and applying for this crown was more than just becoming Miss Universe Pakistan,” she told EasternEye.
“It’s kind of an answer to everyone that has ever questioned my identity.”
Roma credited her sister for encouraging her to join the competition, recalling how she once doubted herself until her sibling reminded her of her power and beauty.
Now, Roma uses her platform to champion both diversity and education.
“I want to be the change for the beauty standard,” she said.
“There are so many different kinds of beauties in Pakistan, and beauty is not just a single mould that we have to fit into. So, there needs to be much more representation.”
Her advocacy extends well beyond appearances.
Roma has spoken passionately about improving Pakistan’s literacy rates, which remain alarmingly low.
“Almost 40% of Pakistanis cannot read or write, and it’s even higher for women in rural areas,” she explained.
“Education is empowerment, and I want our girls to be more educated, more respected. Beyond the crown, that is my goal.”
Having lived across Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, Roma believes her multicultural upbringing allows her to connect deeply with different communities.
“I want people to see that beauty in Miss Universe is more than just superficial looks,” she shared.
“It’s about representing the richness of who you are and inspiring others to embrace their own identity.”
Behind the glamour, Roma also highlighted the demanding and often misunderstood side of pageantry.
“Most people don’t have much knowledge of the process,” she said.
“They only see the pictures online, not the endless interviews, training, and behind-the-scenes work that goes into it.”
She urged critics to show empathy, adding, “We’re just humans. People objectify us and don’t see us as real humans with real emotions. They just throw whatever they want to say.”
Roma admitted that the journey has not been easy, balancing a full-time job with family life and pageant commitments.
“I came home exhausted and thought, maybe I can’t do this. Maybe this is too much for just a little girl like me,” she recalled.
“But my family remained my constant rocks. They always remind me of my purpose and my power.”
Roma Riaz’s story continues to inspire conversations about identity, representation, and resilience.
As she prepares to take the Miss Universe 2025 stage, she carries not only Pakistan’s name but also the hopes of a generation seeking change in how beauty is seen and celebrated.
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