Miss Universe Pakistan Roma Riaz Seeks Successor With ‘A Good Heart’
Reigning Miss Universe Pakistan Roma Riaz is preparing to crown her successor in the Philippines, where 10 finalists have been shortlisted from a large pool of applicants. The winner will represent Pakistan at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico later this year.
Roma Riaz, the third Pakistani beauty queen to compete at Miss Universe, said she was looking for a contestant with “a good heart” and a genuine passion for Pakistan’s progress. She said inner character mattered more than appearance, recalling advice from her national director that beauty could be taught, but a good heart could not.
Reflecting on her own experience, Riaz described the Miss Universe competition as a life-changing opportunity and said the friendships she formed with contestants from around the world were among its most valuable aspects. She encouraged her successor to focus on building relationships rather than becoming consumed by competition.
Riaz also spoke about the responsibility of representing Pakistan internationally, saying the crown carried significant weight because of the expectations attached to the title. She acknowledged facing criticism and online backlash, including comments about not looking “Pakistani enough”, but said the experience strengthened her resolve to challenge narrow perceptions of South Asian beauty.
She said the criticism also highlighted important conversations around colourism and representation, adding that she hoped her experience would make the path easier for future Pakistani contestants.
Riaz recalled an encounter with a young girl in the Philippines who told her she was the most beautiful Miss Universe contestant because they shared the same skin colour. The interaction, she said, reinforced her belief that her role was about representing something larger than herself.
Looking ahead, Roma Riaz expressed hope that beauty pageants would continue to grow in Pakistan and help showcase the country’s creativity and talent. She highlighted Pakistani food, music and traditional art as aspects of the country she wanted the world to appreciate.
Away from the crown and sash, Roma Riaz described herself as someone who enjoys family time, church, Pilates and matcha. A former sales analyst, she said her new role has been more demanding than her corporate career but also more meaningful and purposeful.
