TIMES Entertainment
Pakistan is set to make its debut at the Miss World pageant after Anniqa Meraj was crowned Miss World Pakistan 2026. She will become the first Pakistani contestant to represent the country at the international competition.
According to Dawn, the crowning ceremony took place at Lahore’s Faletti’s Hotel, where Dr Shafaq Akhtar, Miss Pakistan Universal 2022, and Attaullah Gujjar, Mr Pakistan World, crowned Meraj.
Miss World confirmed the announcement on its official website and Instagram account on Thursday. Meraj will represent Pakistan at the 75th anniversary edition of the Miss World Festival in Vietnam, scheduled to take place from 9 August to 5 September.
The 24-year-old is a graduate in business and economics and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in auditing and accounting.
Speaking about her future goals, Meraj said she hopes to become a State-Authorised Public Accountant while actively advocating for children’s rights and girls’ education to help build a brighter future for Pakistan.
Meraj is no stranger to international beauty pageants. She has previously represented Pakistan at Miss Earth, Miss Global, Miss Cosmo, Miss Eco International and Miss Aura International. She also won four titles at the Freedom of the World competition held in Kosovo.
Although this will mark Pakistan’s first participation in the Miss World pageant, the country has appeared in other international beauty contests in recent years. Erica Robin and Roma Riaz represented Pakistan at Miss Universe, where both contestants received widespread appreciation.
