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 –
Nosheen Idrees the 22 year old from Jhelum Pakistan will be representing Pakistan in the Miss Earth pageant. Nosheen was crowned the third runner up for the Miss Pakistan World pageant on the 23rd of May 2008.
A student of communications at the University of Sheffield, Nosheen hopes to bring back a title that can put Pakistan as a country that has the most beautiful women in the world. In her own words, Nosheen says, “Pakistan is a country where the most beautiful women exist and it’s a shame that it’s not recognized for it.” Nosheen is set to change the perception of how the world looks at Pakistan and hopefully she says that she may be able to spread the message of peace for her country and be a great ambassador for the youth.
Sonia Ahmed the president of Miss Pakistan World made a statement recently saying that Pakistan has reached 20 international pageants in just 5 years time and that the main mission is to continue with the effort to get Pakistan recognized as the country with the most talented and beautiful women in the world.
Two weeks later and Nosheen Idrees, Miss Pakistan Earth 2008 is raving about her wonderful experience at the world’s largest pageant, Miss Earth which took place in Manila, Philippines. Her group number was three which consisted of contestants from other countries who then became very close at heart to her. Lucky for Idrees, she celebrated her 22nd birthday at the Miss Earth pageant with all the contestants and officials surprising and singing for her.
The reviews done by pageant gurus on Miss Pakistan Earth were amazing where OPMB quoted that she was a strong candidate as well as knowledge on environmental issues. Others on the forum said that she may be the dark horse in the end and would surprise the audiences. A lot of photographs were taken of Miss Pakistan and Miss Israel by media and Pakistani pageant officials. Sonia Ahmed, President of Miss Pakistan World stated that this was precisely to show that Pakistan and Israel are getting along in events like Miss Earth and that more work should be done by politicians to improve relations with countries like Israel and India.
Idrees made sure that the 21 days that she spent in Manila with about 90 countries was spent in educating other countries about today's Pakistan and its culture. In the end this entire experience was a pleasant one. Sonia Ahmed, President of Miss Pakistan World said, “This is Pakistan’s 7th year in pageantry and even though Pakistan has a long way to go, we have made up for at least 50 years that were lost in the past due to fanatical viewpoints. The only thing left to do is to go forward.”
Queen of the World 2008 will be held - Dec. 13th 2008 at Pardorama Concress-Center at an altitude of 3000 meters, in Ischgl, Austria. Never before in pageants history was an international beauty contest held on top of a mountain. Ischgl is not only known as the ultimate hotspot for winter sports - enthusiasts, but as well for its Top-Events, extraordinary High-Life, celebrities and much more. Therefore it is no surprise that the Silvretta Arena Ischgl/Samnaun is continuously voted among the best skiing areas in the Alps. As Ischgl boasts a huge area of fabulous (235 km) as well as latest it became the hotspot for skiers and boarders during the last decades and guarantees snow from the end of November until the beginning of May. In the middle of December, Ischgl becomes even more attractive: During the QUEEN OF THE WORLD pageant, Ischgl is for the second time searching the world’s most beautiful woman. Iqbal a model and studying in London, United Kingdom believes that she is making her mark in Europe as Miss Pakistan. She also stated that without her parent’s support she would not be where she is.
Iqbal said that Pakistani girls need a lot of support in the pageant industry and parents must play an important role in encouraging them. Iqbal hails from Lahore, Pakistan and is excited that this pageant will mark Pakistan’s 20th international pageant in just under 7 years. Sonia Ahmed, President of Miss Pakistan World said, “This year end of 2008 will prove that Pakistan is going strong in beauty pageants. The support for the Miss Pakistan World pageant is ever growing and the Pakistani people are getting more interested in knowing who these ambassadors are and as to what they do to represent Pakistan on an international scale worldwide. Our goal is to get Pakistan on the heights of recognition in pageantry and one day we will achieve that. As for now, we wish Tahira Iqbal best of luck in the Queen of the World competition in Germany.”
Tahira Iqbal, 22 reached Germany on the 3rd of December 2008. Greeted at the airport, Tahira made her way with the Chaperons to the hotel. Her roommate Queen of Serbia 2008, met her.
It was a pleasure speaking to Tahira (Rani) her nickname, on the phone. She started with her usual "Hiya there, Are you okay?" accent and seemed a bit in a rush. As usual Tahira with her politeness told me that she would love to talk but had to go for a photoshoot and a television interview. She breifly told me that an international pageant is nothing like the Miss Pakistan World pageant as the contestants are very aloof and don't mingle that much. I smiled at her as I did let her know of it in advance. She also mentioned that the schedule has been hectic and that her roommate Miss Serbia (Queen of Serbia) does not speak a word of English, another thing I warned her about.
Dec 07, 2008 – "The recent tragedy in Mumbai was the work of misguided individuals who do not represent a specific religion, creed or nationality," said Miss Pakistan World Natasha Paracha. "The fact these young men may have links to Pakistan is in no way indicative of the culture and caliber of people that represent Pakistan. It is my hope the world views this tragedy with those thoughts in mind as we all mourn for the victims and their families." Paracha, only the sixth woman in the history of her country to be named Miss Pakistan World when she won that honor earlier this year, also serves as the Chairperson of Pakistani Affairs with the International Renewable Energy Organization at the United Nations. Miss Paracha is a 2005 graduate of the University of California at Berkeley earning a degree in Political Science and Business Administration. While in college she also founded the Pakistani Students Association.
Besides her work at the United Nations, Miss Paracha has created a non-profit foundation, Vision of Development, in which the goal is to reach out to the poverty stricken regions in Pakistan.
"My intention as Miss Pakistan World is to raise awareness and help the world understand the plight of my fellow countrymen," said Paracha. "I'm interested in dispelling misperceptions of the country of Pakistan, as well as aid in the empowerment of women in my country. The role of women in Pakistan is one of the most misunderstood notions in the world today." Paracha's involvement in renewable energy and alternatives has lead her to forming the non-profit organizaton which is dedicated to clean water initiatives in the Middle East, Haiti, Libya and Brazil. Q&A with Miss Pakistan World Natasha Paracha:
Q: What are your thoughts on the recent tragedy in Mumbai?
NP: The tragedy in Mumbai has left us all in shock. It is difficult to understand that such violent acts are taking place in metropolitan regions. First, the attacks that were carried out at Marriott in Islamabad and now this. It is important for the world to recognize that the individuals who carried out the attacks do not represent any religion, creed or nationality. I have family and friends that live close to the Taj and Oberoi and my heart goes out to all those innocent people involved.
Q: What is the most misunderstood aspect about Pakistani women and the role they play in that society:
NP: In history, there definitely has been a misconception in the Western world that Pakistani women come in second compared to their male counterparts. However, women in Pakistan have played a major role in politics and activism. Pakistan is the first country in the Muslim world to see a female Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto. Pakistan also has seen great female leaders in the arts, legal arena and work force.
Q: You are involved in a non-profit energy initiative. What do you hope to accomplish?
NP: I work for the Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Organization at the United Nations. IREO is an intergovernmental organization that works to promote the use of affordable, clean sources of renewable energy worldwide. It strives to make alternative renewable energy sources a key component to eradicate the current depletion of our environment by the use of fossil fuels that has led to our climate change and the energy crisis we are now facing. IREO strives to achieve global energy security, and bridge the energy divide with a special priority for the Developing and Least Developed countries in the world.
Q: What are your future plans?
NP: I would love to represent Pakistan in international pageant in April, but for now my future plans as Miss Pakistan World include promoting the rich culture and traditions of Pakistan, empowering women in rural regions of the country through various NGO work, and promoting the necessity of literacy among children in Pakistan.
Nosheen Idrees, runner up 3 of Miss Pakistan World, represented Pakistan in Beijing, China for Miss Asia International 2008. The participation was an official one from Pakistan and this was the second time Pakistan got represented in the Asian beauty pageant. Nosheen Idrees hailing from Jhelum Pakistan stated that she was well received by the Chinese delegation and it was a wonderful experience for her. The organizing committee took all contestants to The Great Wall of China, along with other scenic places and landmarks like The Forbidden City in Beijing. The contestants were residing at the Jiuhu Hotel (5 star, international) in Beijing which is well known for servicing the 2008 Olympics in August 2008.
A student of communications at the University of Sheffield, Nosheen hopes to bring back a title that can put Pakistan as a country that has the most beautiful women in the world. In her own words, Nosheen says, "Pakistan is a country where the most beautiful women exist and it’s a shame that it’s not recognized for it." Nosheen is set to change the perception of how the world looks at Pakistan and hopefully she says that she may be able to spread the message of peace for her country and be a great ambassador for the youth. Nosheen also stated that the hospitality of the host country China was amazing and that she would love to go back for a visit some day.
The Miss Pakistan World will be crowning its new queen in June 2009 and selections of contestants are being made at the moment. With the completion of 5 international pageants this year, 2009 seems to be a promising year for the Miss Pakistan World beauty pageant.
Pakistani Newspapers a big NO NO by Sonia Ahmed, President
You know, I keep on hearing news about Miss Pakistan World in various Pakistani Local Newspapers in US and Canada. I hear it from friends and families who follow me and the news of the pageant.
Let me be very clear: I have fought with 100% of Pakistani Newspaper editors as they have a very crewd old fashioned dancing girl mujra sort of a mentality so, any news that comes in any Pakistani newspaper is not officially from me or the company. I dont like the way they speak, the way they converse, they have no respect for women. And there may be good Pakistani newspapers out there, but I will never take the risk of allowing them into my show unless or until I know that they will not harm my event in defamation.
These are men who are pissed off as the pageant opens its doors to Indian Media as well as Mainstream Media but not them (because of their pathetic mentality). We do not allow the old school Punjabi village mentality to enter this pageant. And I will strongly repeat myself here: Any news that comes in any Pakistani newspaper is not officially from me or the company. So hence, until or unless the Pakistani Media comes to age, they will not be allowed to cover the pageant. And yes mainstream media and the Indian media is always invited.
So to all those who get involved with the pageant, do not listen to them, as they are most probably doing it because I don't let them into the circle of this pageant. A lot of jibberish has been printed by them, thinking that once again they can demoralize us. Because if I do then my event becomes a place for such men with such low calibre to just come and have some cheap pendoo fun. With cheap pendoo fun, I mean these men whistling or passing comments, which is not tolerated in the Miss Pakistan World event, as then they are escorted by security harshly and then they hold a grudge. So my advise: Listen to reliable news outlets like CNN, New York Post, ABC, Fox etc not any Urdu or Pakistani Newspapers, as most of them are run by fanatics or hypocrites.
And finally a message to the Pakistani newspapers, do as much as you like, write the crapiest thing about me and this company, but it will not make any difference as we don't need you people to survive. Trust me on that!
I always want to see my contestants go further to international pageants. The push is always there from my side as well as the company's importance increases with every contendor going to an international pageant. So to the girls who like to join, I would always encourage you all to think big and out of the box. International pageants is when Pakistan competes internationally with 100-120 countries. You as a contestant will compete locally with delegates coming from the UK, USA and Canada, but its an aphrodisiac-al feeling to be a part of the world on such a global level. That is the best time of a Miss Pakistan or a runner up's life.
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