Key Takeaways
- Anniqa Meraj has been selected as Miss World Pakistan 2026 and will compete in the 75th Anniversary Edition of Miss World Festival.
- The event is scheduled from August 9 to September 5 in Vietnam, marking Pakistan's first official participation in the Miss World competition.
- Meraj aims to advocate for children’s rights and girls’ education while pursuing a career as a state-authorised public accountant.
Anniqa Meraj has been crowned Miss World Pakistan 2026, securing her place at the prestigious 75th Anniversary Edition of the Miss World Festival in Vietnam. The event, scheduled from August 9 to September 5, will see Meraj represent Pakistan on an international stage for the first time.
The crowning ceremony took place at Lahore’s Faletti’s Hotel, where Meraj received her title from Dr Shafaq Akhtar, Miss Pakistan Universal 2022, and Attaullah Gujjar, Mr Pakistan World. This milestone marks a significant step for Pakistan in the global beauty pageant circuit.
Meraj, a 24-year-old business and economics graduate currently pursuing a master’s degree in auditing and accounting, expressed her long-term ambition to become a state-authorised public accountant while advocating for children's rights and girls' education. Her participation is seen as a historic moment by the Miss World Organisation, which highlights Pakistan's growing presence in international beauty pageants.
In recent years, Pakistan has expanded its representation in various global competitions, including Miss Universe. However, Meraj’s appearance at the Miss World pageant will be the country's first-ever official participation in this particular event. Her journey to the top of the national competition reflects a broader trend of Pakistani women participating in international beauty contests.
Meraj has previously represented Pakistan in several other international competitions such as Miss Earth, Miss Global, Miss Cosmo, Miss Eco International and Miss Aura International. These experiences have prepared her well for the challenges ahead at the Miss World Festival.
The significance of this event extends beyond Meraj’s personal achievement. It symbolises a new era for Pakistan on the global pageant stage, where the country can showcase its culture and values through the lens of beauty and talent. The participation also opens up opportunities for future Pakistani contestants to follow in her footsteps.
Dr Shafaq Akhtar, who presented Meraj with the title, expressed pride in seeing a new generation of women stepping forward to represent their country on an international platform. She highlighted the importance of supporting such initiatives that promote positive change and empowerment.
