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I recently had the chance to sit down with Roma Riaz, who represented Pakistan at the Miss Universe pageant in 2025 and recently made her debut at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. During our conversation, we spoke about everything from representing Pakistan on international platforms to fashion, identity, visibility, and the emotional weight of carrying a title that sparks both admiration and debate back home.

What followed was a deeply candid discussion about the complicated realities of being a modern Pakistani woman in the public eye.

​Images: Having grown up between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UK, which aspects of each culture do you feel most define your personality and your approach to the pageant world?

Roma: ​Growing up in different countries gave me perspective. It taught me how to take the good from each culture and shape myself intentionally, instead of feeling confined to one way of being. But no matter where I lived, my connection to Pakistan was always central. It gave me a sense of responsibility to carry my culture with respect and honesty. Everything I step into globally is tied back to where I come from and the weight of representing my people with dignity.

Images: Following Erica Robin’s historic debut, you became the second woman to carry the Miss Universe Pakistan title on a global stage. How do you feel about the growing visibility of Pakistani women in international pageantry, and what unique aspect of your own heritage were you most excited to showcase at Miss Universe 25?

Roma: ​It feels powerful and emotional. Erica opening that door meant the world, and carrying that momentum forward felt like both an honour and a responsibility. The visibility of Pakistani women on global stages is long overdue.

At Miss Universe 25, I was most excited to showcase our diversity. Not one idea of beauty, not one story. I wanted the world to see a Pakistani woman who is global yet deeply connected to her roots.

Images: You have been vocal about challenging colourism and conventional beauty standards in the South Asian industry, once stating, “I will not apologise for looking like my people”. How does it feel to see your features celebrated at a major festival like Cannes, and do you feel the industry is finally moving toward genuine inclusivity?

Roma: ​It feels deeply personal. For so long, features like mine were either overlooked or openly criticised. To now see those same features celebrated on a global platform like Cannes feels like a full circle moment.

It is not just about me walking a red carpet, it is about challenging what has historically been excluded. Seeing my features celebrated at Cannes is meaningful because for so long they were questioned or dismissed. It feels affirming, but also bittersweet.

Globally, the industry is becoming more inclusive, and spaces like Cannes are showing that change is possible. At the same time, the Pakistani industry still has a long way to go. It is strange to feel celebrated abroad for the very features that are often questioned at home. I hope moments like this help open doors and conversations back home, so acceptance does not only come from outside.

​Images: Representing Pakistan at the 79th Cannes Film Festival is a significant milestone. In what capacity did you be represent the country, and how does your preparation for a film festival red carpet differ from the pageant stage?

Roma: ​Cannes was not about competition for me, it was about cultural presence. I was there as a Pakistani woman occupying a global cultural space that has rarely included us. Preparing for a film festival is much more about identity and intention than precision.

In pageantry, everything is timed and judged. At Cannes, the focus was on storytelling, energy, and authenticity. I wanted to walk the carpet as myself, not as a perfected version, but as someone representing where she comes from with confidence.

Images: Your wardrobe at Miss Universe featured heritage-driven items, like the sari. Can you tell us a bit about the designers and stylists you showcased on the Cannes red carpet this year?

​Roma: My styling at Cannes was very intentional and emotional for me. I collaborated with stylist Danish Maqsood and designers Caia and Studio SY by Syra Yousuf for Cannes.

Every look was inspired by Pakistani women who came before me, women who broke barriers in art, activism, politics, and culture long before this generation had access to global platforms. I wanted my wardrobe to feel like a tribute to their courage and sacrifice. I would not be here without them.

The silhouettes, craftsmanship, and details were chosen to honor resilience, grace, and legacy. It was less about fashion as spectacle and more about fashion as remembrance and respect.

Images: Many might be surprised to learn you have a degree in business and marketing and work as an assistant merchandiser for JD Sports Fashion. How has your professional background influenced the way you manage your brand and public image as Miss Universe Pakistan?

Roma: ​My background in business management and a job revolving around numbers has kept me grounded. It taught me discipline, consistency, and perspective. Being in a structured, results driven environment reminds me that titles and visibility are temporary, but integrity and work ethic are not. It helps me stay connected to real life and approach everything I do with balance and sincerity.

Images: You’ve expressed a desire to use your platform to improve educational access for women in rural Pakistan. Are there specific projects or organisations you are currently working with to make this a reality?

Roma: ​Education access for women in rural Pakistan is something I think about constantly. I am currently working behind the scenes with small scale initiatives and educators who focus on long term access rather than surface-level solutions.

I am especially interested in programmes that involve families and communities, because education cannot thrive in isolation. My goal is to build something sustainable, something that supports girls not just to enrol, but to stay, grow, and eventually lead. This is not a quick project for me, it is a lifelong commitment.

​Images: You’ve faced significant online criticism and trolling regarding your appearance. What is your personal strategy for maintaining mental well-being and staying focused on your purpose amidst the noise of social media?

​Roma: Online criticism can be heavy, especially when it is personal and constant. Over time, I learned that protecting my mental health is not optional, it is necessary.

I stay grounded through faith, routine, and distance from spaces that do not serve me. I remind myself that people project their insecurities onto visibility. Staying focused on purpose helps me rise above the noise. I also lean into rest, reflection, and community. Strength does not come from responding to everything, it comes from knowing what deserves your energy.

Images: Beyond the pageant world and Cannes, where do you see your career heading?

​Roma: I am open to exploring film, especially because representation is ultimately the goal. Pakistani media still has a long way to go in reflecting the full spectrum of our women.

I want darker skinned girls to see themselves centered, not sidelined. Whether that is through film, fashion, or leadership roles behind the scenes, I want my work to contribute to changing narratives. I also see myself continuing in business and social impact spaces. I do not believe purpose has to fit into one industry.

​Images: You’ve spoken candidly about the lack of sleep, the high emotional stakes and the criticism you faced during your journey. What is your message to the many Pakistani women who are told they shouldn’t or can’t occupy these global spaces about finding a “purpose” that outweighs the noise?

​Roma: To every woman who feels exhausted, discouraged, or unheard, I want you to know that your presence matters even when it feels invisible. Purpose is what carries you when validation does not.

You will be criticised, misunderstood, and questioned, especially when you choose spaces that were not designed for you. But rest is allowed, quitting on yourself is not. You do not need to be fearless, you just need to keep going. The world expands every time a woman refuses to shrink.