BUSHRA JAMIL came back from Malaysia and here are some pictures of her journey representing Pakistan for teh second time this year.
TORONTO, Jan. 2nd /TDPR/ – In light of the tragic assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, liberated Pakistani women grabbed a victory for progression this past month, when Saman Hasnain was crowned Mrs. Pakistan World 2008. In the second annual pageant, Hasnain’s crowning marks a time when modern and independent Pakistani women are doing all they can to gain a voice on the international stage.
Hasnain, a happily married mother of two, will go on to compete in the Mrs. World 2008 competition for her birth country. Hasnain, who now lives in San Francisco with her family looks at this win as a great honour and triumph for Pakistani women. “I would like to change the world’s perception of Pakistani women. It is important to raise funds and help resolve issues faced by Pakistan. I hope to act as a role model, and encourage, educate and motivate Pakistani women to help achieve a strong and progressive Pakistan” says Hasnain.
On December 27th, the world took a collective gasp over the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, one of the few political leaders who could have catapulted Pakistan into economic and political liberation. One may see Bhutto’s death as a giant step backwards, however many are realizing that it is a sign that this can no longer be a one-woman-show.
The newly crowned Mrs. Pakistan World 2008 is a real estate agent by trade, but has already worked diligently to aid a struggling Pakistan find its footing. She showed her charitable nature by helping build a school in a small village in Pakistan for 1000 children, and shown consistent support for DIL (Development in Literacy), all while volunteering at her children’s school in San Francisco. She plans to use her new title to increase her work and broaden her scope throughout the world.
Sonia Ahmed, president of Miss Canada Pakistan Inc., the organization who created Mrs. Pakistan World, says “Our goal is to show the world that Pakistani women have a global voice and a desire to progress and help change the world.” Ahmed created Miss Pakistan World in 2002, and as the 6th annual pageant approaches, she has seen her mission come to light as the crown winners have won several international titles and helped to prove that all Pakistani women can eventually have a positive and free-thinking future on a global scale.
The organization’s headquarters is in Toronto, Ontario where recently a young girl, Aqsa Parvez, was strangled to death by her father for not wearing her hijab (a traditional part of Muslim attire) in public. Occasions like these act as a deep reminder to those who are liberated from the radical traditions of the fundamentalists within the Pakistani community, that advancement is an irrefutable necessity.
One from western society may find it challenging to see how a beauty pageant would act as a means for women’s liberation, however for the women of Pakistan these pageants are a sign that there is a lot to look forward to in the progression of their country. A global voice is something that many of these women grew up not realizing would be possible in their lifetime.
Miss Pakistan World
In 2002, a need for greater promotions and availability for Pakistani women to join the world of beauty was answered with the creation of Miss Pakistan World. Ideally, the pageant would be held in the represented country of Pakistan, but religious agenda does not allow for such contests to be held there as of yet. The creation of the pageant began in Canada due to the multicultural ideals found in Canada. Through perseverance and international success, Miss Pakistan World has since become recognized internationally and spans the globe in search for Pakistan’s next international beauty.
Creator, Sonia Ahmed saw the lack of exposure and opportunity for young Pakistani women and decided to take her own successes in the beauty and business industry and develop a platform for Pakistani girls from all over the world to showcase their beauty, intellect and love for the entertainment world. The Pakistani-born socialite, now living in Toronto, Ontario, has been met with criticism but has shown the true strength in women by bringing home 6 international titles in 5 years of competition.
Still expanding, MPW has worked with Miss Earth, Miss Tourism Queen International, and Queen of the World, Miss Tourism, Miss Globe and other global pageants. Their readiness to join forces with Miss Universe and Miss World is stalled by the pageant’s inability to be held on Pakistani soil. This is an initiative that Ahmed and her team hope to make happen in the future. Until then, MPW continues to be a major player in almost every other international pageant.
In 2006, MPW furthered their initiatives with the creation of its sister pageant, Mrs. Pakistan World – a pageant for married Pakistani women. The first woman to wear the crown, Misbah Iqbal went on to compete in Mrs. World 2007. This marked the first time in history that a married Muslim woman competed in an international pageant.
MPW continues to work hard to achieve a greater understanding as well as a strong platform for all women of Pakistani descent and to afford them a voice on the international stage. The 6th annual pageant will take place on May 23rd, 2008 at the Versailles Convention Center near Toronto. To the delight of all involved in the pageant, and especially its creator, the successes of MPW have begun to meet all expectations and ambition.
The MPW Mission
Miss Pakistan World’s mission is to find positive, energetic role models who will represent and inspire Pakistani youth within their community, as well as internationally. Miss Pakistan World works to allow Pakistani women from around the world the opportunities to showcase their beauty, talents, and richness of culture both locally and on an international scale. The pageant is open to all women born in Pakistan to apply and embraces the diversity found within their country’s heritage.
International Success
In 2005, Miss Pakistan World 2005, Naomi Zaman took home two international titles. The first at Miss Tourism Queen International 2005, as Best in Talent and Miss Disco: Girl of the Year. The following year, Miss Pakistan World 2006, Sehr Mahmood took home the title of Queen of Elegance at the European pageant Queen of the World. Meanwhile, Miss Pakistan World’s 3rd Runner Up, Mariyah Moten won Miss Charity at Miss Tourism Queen International as well as Best in Media at the Miss Bikini International pageant held in China in 2006. The past year showed Miss Pakistan World 2007’s 2nd Runner Up, Nida Khan bring home 2nd Runner Up at the Miss Internet World pageant.
Here lies proof that these young women have what it takes to be a strong force in the international pageant world. Miss Pakistan World is clearly destined for greatness.
Information on the pageant can be found: Miss Pakistan World –
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