As Pakistan’s representative for Miss Universe 2025, Roma Riaz has captivated global audiences—not only through her poise and confidence, but by unapologetically confronting critics who targeted her skin tone and body type.
Although she did not secure a finalist position in the pageant held in Thailand on Friday morning, Roma is now using her voice to challenge long-standing beauty norms in South Asia. Her journey from an ordinary young woman to an international pageant contender reflects her unwavering determination, resilience, and self-belief.
Miss Universe Pakistan, Roma Riaz received so much hate and backlash for her skin being too dark. Some of you did not even look at her talent or intelligence. All you care about is the colour of her skin. Such an ignorant way of thinking. Colourism in the South Asian community… pic.twitter.com/vwMgVW4muV
— Sanchia Singh (@SanchiaCSingh) November 14, 2025
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Born in Lahore, Roma spent her upbringing across Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, and currently resides in Manchester. She attended Aquinas College before completing a degree in business and marketing from Manchester Metropolitan University. Professionally, she has served as a merchandising administrative assistant and assistant merchandiser at Boohoo, and now works as an assistant merchandiser at JD Sports Fashion, one of the UK’s leading sports retailers.
Remarkably, Miss Universe Pakistan 2025 was her debut pageant, making her rapid rise even more noteworthy.
Miss Universe Pakistan (Roma Riaz) has such a powerful, graceful response to the trolls attacking her for her skin color
She’s beautiful https://t.co/n5vXx0OjOL
— Tulika Bose (@TulikaBose_) November 16, 2025
Breaking Barriers: Redefining Beauty in South Asia
Roma has consistently used her platform to promote women’s empowerment, educational opportunities, and a more authentic image of Pakistan—while challenging deeply rooted beauty ideals.
After receiving online backlash from trolls who called her “dark,” “heavy,” and “not pretty,” she responded with strength in an Instagram video that went viral.
“My skin is the same colour as the soil of Pakistan,” she stated, adding that she would never apologize for looking like the women of her homeland.
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“I am Pakistani in my roots, in my values, and in every shade of my skin. My skin tone mirrors that of the women who built our homes, our families, and carried our nation in their hearts. I will not apologise for looking like my people,” she said.
Her statement resonated far beyond herself—addressing the wider issue of colourism, which continues to impact perceptions of beauty in South Asian culture.
A New Era of Representation and Resilience
Roma openly discussed how harmful and Eurocentric beauty standards affect young girls growing up in the region.
“Colourism has taught us to celebrate fairness and forget where we come from,” she noted.
Representing a modern generation of South Asian women, she insists that beauty cannot be measured by skin tone or body type. She also encouraged trolls to consider Pakistan’s global image:
“If you don’t have anything good to say, think about the image of our country.”
Speaking directly to girls who’ve been told they are “too dark,” “too bold,” or “too different,” Roma affirmed:
“You represent Pakistan just as much as anyone else.”
Stepping onto the Miss Universe stage as a dark-skinned Pakistani woman comes with its challenges, but she embraces that responsibility:
“Change never comes without resistance, but every step forward opens a door for the next girl.”