Pakistan’s pageant industry in Lahore is experiencing significant growth. Since 2020, the Miss Pakistan World pageant has been hosted in Lahore, Pakistan, under the guidance of Sonia Ahmed, the President of Miss Pakistan. The pageant’s popularity has been steadily increasing since its move to Lahore. In 2020, Areej Chaudhary from Islamabad was crowned Miss Pakistan World 2020 on Pakistani soil. Since then, she has represented Pakistan in international pageants such as Miss Earth, Miss Global, and Miss Eco International. She also has plans to represent Pakistan in Miss Aura International in Turkey.
In 2021, another historic moment occurred when Sonia Ahmed, President of Miss Pakistan Pageants, announced the crowning of the first trans girl on Pakistani soil as Miss Trans Pakistan 2021. Shyraa Roy was honored with the title of Miss Trans Pakistan, which is carried for a period of two years. The next trans girl to hold this title will be crowned in 2023.
In 2022, the city of Lahore was abuzz with beauty queens as Sonia Ahmed, the founder of Pakistan’s Pageant Industry, introduced several new titles. Miss Pakistan Universal, Miss Pakistan Global, Miss Pakistan Supreme, and Miss Pakistan National were among the titles introduced. Additionally, the titles of Mrs. Pakistan and Mr. Pakistan were also bestowed upon contestants in Lahore. Dr. Shafaq Akhtar, the newly crowned Miss Pakistan Universal, made waves in the pageant industry by participating in Miss Aura International, Miss Planet, and Miss Elite. Her remarkable achievements included bringing back the first winning titles to Pakistan, securing the titles of Miss Rixos Sungate in Miss Aura and Miss Humanity in Miss Planet, both of which were proudly brought back to Pakistan.
In 2023, preparations are well underway for the fourth Miss, Mrs., and Ms. Pakistan ceremony, organized by Sonia Ahmed. Lahore is set to welcome even more beauty queens this time, including participants from Europe and various cities across Pakistan. The crowning ceremony is scheduled for May 31st, 2023, and there is hopeful anticipation that a new group of winners will triumphantly bring back more titles for Pakistan.
Sonia Ahmed, President and founder of pageants for Pakistan, remarked, “People often mistake pageantry for a segment of the modeling industry, but that’s not accurate. We don’t collaborate with designers or seek models for clothing. We resemble the Olympics in a more subtle manner, emphasizing the vital representation of one’s country. Miss Pakistan isn’t merely an honor or accolade for women of any age; it’s a title that opens doors for women to travel, connect with like-minded individuals worldwide, and advocate for our Pakistani culture. Our mission is to spotlight Pakistan and disseminate awareness about our rich cultural heritage. It’s a sisterhood we embrace and strive for—a remarkable unity within Pakistan, a realm teeming with the world’s most exquisite women. Regardless of backgrounds, they unite to uphold the spirit of Pakistan through their invaluable representation. I’m both honored and pleased to witness the 4th ceremony on Pakistani soil, celebrating the victors of Miss, Mrs., and Ms. Pakistan. Pakistan has now grown accustomed to pageants, a result of the two decades I’ve devoted to sustaining Pakistan’s pageant scene. These young women are the future of pageantry in Pakistan, and it’s an honor to complete 21 years dedicated to Pakistan’s pageantry.”
The crowning ceremony is set to occur at the Grand Palm Hotel in Lahore on May 31st, 2023. This event will introduce new queens and fresh faces to represent Pakistan on the international stage.
