Pakistan will officially take part in the Miss World pageant for the first time in its 73-year history. Twenty-four-year-old Aniqa Jamal Iqbal was crowned Miss World Pakistan 2026 and will represent the country at this year’s competition.
Aniqa received her crown at a ceremony in Lahore. Dr Shafaq Akhtar, who won the title of Miss Pakistan Universal in 2022, handed her the crown, while Mr Pakistan World Ataullah Gujjar also attended the event to celebrate the occasion.
Aniqa is currently studying for a master’s degree in accounting and auditing. She is not new to pageants and has already represented Pakistan at competitions such as Miss Earth, Miss Global, Miss Cosmo, Miss Eco International, and Miss Aura International. She also won four titles at the Miss Freedom of the World event held in Kosovo.
Beyond the crown, Aniqa hopes to use her platform for a good cause. As part of Miss World’s “Beauty with a Purpose” program, she plans to raise awareness about thalassaemia, a blood disorder that affects many people in Pakistan.
The Miss Pakistan World Organisation, which has trained Pakistani women for international pageants since 2002, called this a historic step. Sonia Ahmed, who heads the organisation, said Pakistan’s first official entry into Miss World is a major achievement and shows that Pakistani women can compete and succeed on the world stage.
With Aniqa’s participation, Pakistan fills one of the last gaps in its presence at major international beauty pageants.
