Contestant Delivers Emotional Message After Preliminary Competition
Roma Riaz, representing Pakistan at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, delivered a powerful statement of national pride by draping herself in the Pakistani flag following her preliminary competition performance. The contestant shared her emotional moment with fans through social media, expressing deep gratitude to her homeland.
“Shukriya Pakistan, from the deepest part of my heart,” Riaz wrote on Instagram, describing the moment as one of profound significance following recent criticism about her skin tone.
Fashion as Cultural Expression
Riaz emphasized that she strategically used her wardrobe throughout the competition to honor Pakistan’s diversity. “I carried Pakistan in every look,” she stated, explaining how each outfit choice represented different aspects of the nation’s identity.
- Her burkini selection served as a tribute to Pakistan’s majority faith and cultural values
- The national costume celebrated Pakistani craftsmanship and paid homage to Lahore’s Sheesh Mahal heritage
- Her evening gown symbolized the pride of Pakistani Christians and minority communities
Response to Colorism Criticism
The heartfelt message comes weeks after Riaz faced criticism regarding her skin tone. She had previously addressed the issue directly, stating: “My skin is the same colour as the soil of Pakistan.”
In her response to colorism, Riaz highlighted the deep-rooted issue in South Asian societies while positioning herself as part of “a new generation of South Asian women who don’t fit into the narrow boxes of what people think we should look like.”
Gratitude for National Support
Riaz expressed overwhelming appreciation for the support she received from Pakistanis worldwide. She described stepping off the stage as feeling “like exhaling a prayer,” and thanked her compatriots for their “messages, love, and unwavering support throughout her journey.”
The Miss Universe Pakistan contestant framed her participation as representing “not perfection, but the courage it took to show the world the real me, the real us,” emphasizing authenticity over conventional pageant expectations.
