May 22, 2010 – The Miss Pakistan World pageant founded by Sonia Ahmed, when she was in the University of Ottawa studying Business, was a start for a deep rooted change for Pakistan. The pageant brought young Pakistani women from around the world to compete for what could be considered the most controversial crown in the pageant world: Pakistan’s slow changing movement to liberate its women.
Ahmed comments, “Pakistani women have always felt compelled to stay in the background. They have never had the same opportunities to create a voice and stand for what they believe in. It was only after living in Canada that I realized that women really do have the power to make a difference and make a change. Change is very important and tolerance is important too, in regards to having a healthy and prosperous community.”
Beauty of the World pageant attracted 55 delegates from around the world to Beijing, China as well as the world finals took place in Zhangjiajie City which is located on the northwestern border of Hunan Province. Zhangjiajie city got famous with the release of the film “Avatar.” It had its name changed to “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” in a ceremony by the local people on the 25th of January 2010.
The winner of the Miss Pakistan World 2009 pageant and current reigning queen, Ayesha Gilani represented Pakistan for the first time. Gilani acquired the titles of Miss Pakistan Earth 2009, Miss Tourism Queen International Pakistan 2009 and finally Beauty of Pakistan 2010. Gilani’s strong pageant background made her the right candidate for representing Pakistan internationally in beauty pageants. Winning titles of Miss Congeniality, and Elegance, in the past pageants, Ayesha Gilani wanted to make a difference for Pakistan. In her previous pageants, she befriended Miss Israel and made sure that she sent a message of peace and love to her and her countrymen from Pakistan. She made sure that all nations that were present there saw Pakistan through her eyes.
Beauty of the World was a pageant Gilani was ready for as she wanted to bring Pakistan at a higher step of success. Competing with 55 nations, Gilani won the continental title of Beauty of Asia 2010 in Qindao, China. Pakistan’s 7 year history of beauty pageants had just another title to its addition. For Gilani this is her win for her country- Pakistan, as Beauty of Asia 2010.
Go back to Miss Pakistan World 2009
Competing with 55 nations, Ayesha Gilani won the continental title of Beauty of Asia 2010 in Qindao, China. Pakistan’s 7 year history of beauty pageants had just another title to its addition.