1- Tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Sabeen Baledina, and I am 20 years old. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science degree at Southern Methodist University. I am majoring in premedical biology with minors in neuroscience and women’s gender studies. In my free time, I enjoy reading books (especially rom coms!), playing volleyball, doing pilates, and spending time with my friends. I also dedicate a lot of my free time to volunteering. Every week, I serve as a first-grade religious studies teacher at my place of worship for three hours. I find great joy in teaching the younger generation about the significance of cultivating a strong relationship with God from a young age.
While religion might not have held the highest priority for me during my upbringing, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize the true value of recognizing Allah. I believe that maintaining a consistent faith and sharing my knowledge of Islam with the next generation is the most meaningful way I can serve. This endeavor brings me pure happiness.
Additionally, I serve as an Engage Dallas student director at my university. In this role, I collaborate with local nonprofits in the rural areas of South and West Dallas. My responsibilities include promoting service events to encourage fellow students at my university to participate in community service alongside me.
Although I currently reside in America, my roots are firmly planted in Pakistan. Pakistan is not just a distant place for me; it’s still my home. It is a part of my identity and a source of my strength.
2- Why did you participate in Miss Pakistan 2023?
I decided to participate in Miss Pakistan because I want to serve as a role model for the younger generation of women. I want to show them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. With resilience and hard work, they can accomplish all of their goals. Not only do I want to emphasize the importance of staying true to their dreams, goals, and ambitions, but also that true beauty comes from within, not just from the outside.
I believe that nowadays there’s a false perception of the ideal beauty, which contributes to unattainable beauty standards. I aim to demonstrate that the “idealistic beauty” is someone who contributes to her community, remains true to her values, and shows resilience along with a strong sense of self-determination.
3- How does it feel to be appointed as Miss Pakistan Supreme?
It is such an honor to be granted such a prestigious title! There is truly nothing that could make me happier than representing my own country. I believe that Pakistan is often misunderstood and underrepresented in the pageant industry. I want to utilize my title for a positive cause by representing my country in international competitions. During these international competitions, I will emphasize my platform and act as a voice for young girls all over Pakistan. I aim to support them and leverage this opportunity to raise awareness about compassion, kindness, and community service.
I owe it to them to have been bestowed this privilege and to express my gratitude for all the resources and opportunities that have come my way. I have no one to thank but God himself. When I am up there on that stage, I know I am not alone – I have Pakistan right there beside me, supporting me every step of the way.
4- What are you studying?
I plan to become a neurosurgeon in the future. Currently, I am on the premedical path, and from here, I will attend medical school, complete my residency, and eventually open my own neurosurgery center. Once I achieve my doctorate, I will do as much service as possible for Pakistani citizens and those who cannot afford proper medical care. Healthcare is very expensive and not accessible to all people. I want to use my doctorate for good and help people all over the world. I aim to start a nonprofit that provides healthcare services to underserved communities. This could involve setting up clinics, organizing health camps, or offering medical assistance to those in need.
5- Are you excited to represent Pakistan in international pageants?
I have never been this excited in my life! As I mentioned before, I want to seize this opportunity on behalf of Pakistani girls all around the world and demonstrate that anything is achievable. I want to prove that we do indeed have a voice.
It’s also crucial to challenge these unattainable beauty standards and promote more diverse and inclusive representations of beauty in media and advertising. By celebrating diversity and embracing individuality, we can create a more inclusive and accepting society for everyone, regardless of their appearance. I can’t wait to serve as a role model for my country and Pakistani women worldwide.
6- What advice would you give to many young Pakistani girls?
It’s important to remember that physical beauty alone does not define a person’s worth or value. There are many other qualities that are equally, if not more, important, such as kindness, compassion, intelligence, and resilience. So, if you are interested in participating in the Miss Pakistan pageant or any other pageant, it’s essential to focus on developing all aspects of yourself, not just your physical appearance.
It’s important for young women to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of beauty, and that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. What’s important is to prioritize self-care, self-love, and self-acceptance. Women should focus on being healthy and happy, rather than conforming to unrealistic beauty standards set by others.
7- As Miss Pakistan Supreme 2023 what charities would you like to support in Pakistan?
I would like to support healthcare accessibility and services. Access to healthcare is a critical issue in Pakistan, with many people facing significant barriers to accessing essential medical services.
To address the lack of healthcare accessibility in Pakistan, there is a need for a comprehensive and sustained effort by the government and other stakeholders. This could involve increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure, improving the training and retention of healthcare professionals, reducing healthcare costs, and improving transportation and infrastructure in remote and rural areas. Additionally, there is a need for greater public awareness and education about healthcare issues and the importance of seeking medical care when necessary.
