Miss Pakistan world has been existing for 7 years and you are the brain child behind it. How did you come about an idea when it never even crossed the minds of the entertainment industry of Pakistan?I started Miss Pakistan at a very young age of 21 in University. I was a member of a Pakistani Student’s Association and while talking to some friends, I just got the idea of doing something for the positive image of my country. Miss Pakistan World seemed to be a very good platform where I could use it to show that Pakistani women were modern and not what the world perceived them to be. I wanted to start creating role models in the Pakistani Canadian community where our image could change for the world. Today I have successfully created Miss Pakistan’s in UK, USA, China and Canada.
It was Miss Canada Pakistan before and in just 3 years you changed it to Miss Pakistan World, what brought about this change?
When I started Miss Canada Pakistan, it was only for the contestants coming from Canada. Suddenly, I was getting calls from the USA and UK. At that time, I could not say no to the girls, and then I realized that it would be better if the pageant became global. So we announced that applications would be taken from any country where Canadian visa requirements were met. Since 2006 the Miss Pakistan World pageant became global.
After that you started the Mrs. Pakistan World pageant. How did you gear up for that?
The Mrs. Pakistan World was a tough choice as married Pakistani women are not too flexible. I did not advertize much but we made this an online pageant, and then in 2007 we crowned the first Mrs. Pakistan World. This will be our third year in 2009.
So an industry got started but Pakistan’s situation has worsened since 2008. What future do you see for Miss Pakistan World?
I see a bright future, out of Pakistan at the moment. For the next ten years, the Pakistanis living abroad will feed to this industry and keep it secure. We hope that Pakistan’s current situation changes and things become easier for the arts and entertainment sector.
Controversies surround this event, why is it always like that?
Well, Miss Pakistan World is a unique name and people are intrigued at the fact that a pageant for Pakistan exists. Media wants to know how a pageant for Pakistan is existing amidst all the trouble the country faces. So in a way, we really can’t help it. We are always in the spot light and we are the only hope for a modern Pakistan. There is no other element that shows the very modern side of Pakistan in the world.
Miss Pakistan World and Mrs. Pakistan World take pride in the international pageants that have been completed in the past 6 years! How did you complete 20 international pageants in less than 6 years?
Well we not only completed 20 international pageants, we also won sub titles as well. When I realized that I was competing with countries that were in this business for 50 years, I wanted to rush as much as possible. So we competed in a minimum of 4-5 pageants every year. We made our international presence and also won titles.
What do you look in a contestant?
I look for a pleasant nature and the girl who brings in her own twist to the Miss Pakistan World pageant. I also am very proud of those girls who have participated in the Miss Pakistan World pageant over the years. They were the brave ones, and they all did well.
So besides, working for the pageant, what else do you do in your personal life?
Well, I travel a lot, and that too is business related. I am always working in my mind, to see this company do more all the time. But my hobbies are travelling, watching news, watching Hollywood movies, I love going to the gym, and these days I have become a gym freak, and also I love taking care of myself. I eat healthy, take my vitamins, exercise and keep fit. I always want to spend a lot of time with my family, and usually we do a lot of things together. I go to a lot of parties and events during the weekend and spend time in networking and meeting tons of people. I enjoy my social life quite a bit!
Any major plans for Miss Pakistan World or anything else!
Well, at the moment, Canada is the hub of Miss Pakistan World and I think this country is the best country to be a surrogate host to Pakistan for its pageant. I pride myself in creating the industry Pakistan never thought it would see. And I am proud of all the hard work I put into it. I would not have exchanged this for anything else. Today we have a Miss Pakistan and today we have hope that such events can happen for Pakistan.
Any advice for the Pakistani community around the world!
My advice to the Pakistani community is to be more open to new ideas and take on projects that can bring Pakistan in the world’s eyes. That’s it!
If you were stuck on an island, who would you want to be stuck with: Well, that would definitely be The Rock- Dwayne Johnson
The food you love the most – Pakistani!
Your favorite actress – Angelina Jolie
Your favorite actor – Tom Hanks
Your favourite colors – Purple and Green
Your favorite fruit – Mango
Your crush – President Musharraf
Your city in Pakistan – Karachi all the way!
Your best travel spot – Bahamas
You best feature – My smile!