As Pakistan’s representative for Miss Universe 2025, Roma Riaz has captured the world’s attention -- not just for her charisma and confidence, but for boldly confronting trolls who targeted her skin tone and body type.
While she was unable to grab a spot as a finalist of the pageant that concluded in Thailand on Friday morning, Roma is using her platform to spark an overdue conversation about beauty standards in South Asia. Her rise from an everyday young woman to an international pageant contender is a testament to her determination, resilience, and self-belief.
Born in Lahore, Roma grew up across Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, and is currently based in Manchester. She studied at Aquinas College and later at Manchester Metropolitan University, earning a degree in business and marketing.
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Professionally, she has worked as a merchandising administrative assistant and assistant merchandiser at Boohoo. She now serves as an assistant merchandiser at JD Sports Fashion, one of the UK’s leading sports retailers.
Miss Universe Pakistan 2025 was her first-ever beauty pageant, making her swift rise even more remarkable.
Advocacy and mission as Miss Universe Pakistan
Roma has consistently used her platform to advocate women’s empowerment, educational access, a positive, authentic image of Pakistan, and the rejection of outdated beauty standards.
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She hopes to challenge long-standing perceptions of beauty that have dominated South Asia for generations.
Facing trolls: Roma responds with dignity and strength
Roma recently made headlines after responding to online trolls who called her “dark,” “heavy,” and “not pretty.” In a video posted on Instagram, she delivered a message that resonated deeply across Pakistan and beyond.
She declared: “My skin is the same colour as the soil of Pakistan.”
Roma emphasized that she would never apologize for looking like the women of her homeland. She added: “I am Pakistani in my roots, in my values, and in every shade of my skin.”
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“My skin tone mirrors that of the women who built our homes, our families, and carried our nation in their hearts," Roma went on to say. “I will not apologise for looking like my people.”
Her remarks addressed not only personal criticism but the broader issue of colourism, which remains deeply embedded in South Asian societies.
Challenging South Asian beauty norms
Roma spoke candidly about how colourism shapes perceptions of beauty across the region.
She noted that many young girls grow up internalizing harmful stereotypes around fair skin and Eurocentric features.
“Colourism has taught us to celebrate fairness and forget where we come from,” she said.
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Roma made it clear that she represents a new generation of South Asian women—women who refuse to fit into narrow beauty boxes. She stressed that beauty and identity cannot be confined to one skin tone or body type.
Message of unity for Pakistan and beyond
In addressing her critics, she reminded people to consider the global image of Pakistan: “If you don’t have anything good to say, think about the image of our country.”
She also shared a heartfelt message with girls who have been labeled “too dark,” “too bold,” or “too different”: “You represent Pakistan just as much as anyone else.”
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Roma acknowledged that stepping onto the Miss Universe stage as a dark-skinned Pakistani woman comes with challenges.
But she said she carries that responsibility proudly: “Change never comes without resistance, but every step forward opens a door for the next girl.”
Roma has received overwhelming support from around the world, including Pakistan, India, Latin America, and other regions.
She emphasized that kindness, unity, and authenticity transcend borders, and this global love gives her strength as she prepares for Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand.
