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I want Pakistan to win the title of Miss World 2017: Diya Ali

I want Pakistan to win the title of Miss World 2017: Diya Ali

Miss Perpetual winner Diya Ali tells us about her journey and ambitions
07 Jan, 2017

Did you know Pakistan won a title at Miss Asia Pacific International 2016?

Meet Diya Ali, winner of title Miss Perpetual at the popular beauty pageant held in Philippines last year. However, the Lahore based actor-model plans on taking her win further and competing for Miss World 2017.

Diya Ali representing Pakistan at Miss Asia Pacific International 2016.
Diya Ali representing Pakistan at Miss Asia Pacific International 2016.

Images got in touch with Diya and here's what we know about the pageant winner:

Images: Why don't you tell us about yourself? How did you enter this field?

Diya Ali: It was a very sudden thing actually. I just wanted to be an actress, maybe a model, that's as far as I could dream. But someone from the textile industry saw my pictures on Facebook and messaged me, asking me to visit their office to take part in their campaign's shoot.

I was really surprised, wondering how this could have happened. I remember visiting with my mother and thinking this is all true! Next day I did their shoot and things just started moving from there.

Images: What was the shoot for?

Diya Ali: It was a lawn campaign. The name was United Silk Clothing. Later on I walked on the runway for them as well.

Images: So modeling was not a dream of yours from the start?

Diya Ali: Not exactly, it wasn't THE dream when I started. But when I entered the field and saw how it all works, I loved it. I want to work in the fashion world in a better way, maybe take steps towards projects on an international level. I want to be an example for others, those who keep themselves in one specific aspect of the field, I want to show them how we can and should work globally.

Winners of the Miss Pacific 2016.
Winners of the Miss Pacific 2016.

Images: Tell us about Miss Pacific 2016. How was your experience?

Diya Ali: The Miss Asia Pacific International 2016 contest was very challenging, having been the first Pakistani woman in Pakistan's history to be selected as a contestant (and then a finalist!) in the oldest and world-renowned beauty pageant.

It was exciting but tough. I was on my own in a foreign land amidst strangers. I had never traveled abroad before this pageant and I was very nervous initially. I make friends easily so it became easier as the days progressed but the day of the pageant was tough, it took all my training to remain calm, composed, focused and pleased.

Images: Did you learn anything about yourself through such a new experience?

Diya Ali: The lessons I have learnt in this contest which I still remember and apply in life are: you are not better than anyone; you are your best when you remain peaceful and happy, and; that goodness is contagious.

Images: Considering you planned to model and act, what made you think about participating in a beauty pageant?

Diya Ali: Beauty pageants are a big platform for contestants today. They are opportunities to empower women with self-confidence. It can create many more opportunities for a woman to discover one's own potential.

Images: Who took you to this platform?

Diya Ali: The two people behind my Miss Asia Pacific international 2016 success story are Sohail Rashid, who told me about this event, he is a well known PR rep. And Sonia Ahmed's company [President of Miss Pakistan World & Mrs. Pakistan World] is also connected with the international project.

Getting ready for the show!
Getting ready for the show!

Images: So what lies ahead for you? What are your plans for 2017?

Diya Ali: I'm keeping an eye on the Miss World title! I want Pakistan to win Miss World 2017. That's top priority for me. I really want to spread a positive image of Pakistan. After that I want to work in the Pakistani film industry as an actress. Who knows, I wouldn't mind being a part of the Hollywood industry in the future.

Images: Do you have any plans of working in films/drama in future?

Diya Ali: I have done many serials for different channels, Mor Mahal, Bay Daro Deewar Ghar, Shehrnaaz, and yes, in Pakistan I want to work in films but it must be on good subjects and with an experienced and qualified team.

Images: How do you perceive the fashion industry in Pakistan?

Diya Ali: Pakistan's fashion industry has grown a lot in the past few years and it continues to do so. I think it's actually an important aspect of our economy. Look at all the Pakistani designers participating in international fashion shows. It really helps in painting a positive and healthy impression of Pakistan globally.

Comments

Aslam mehdi Jan 07, 2017 06:09pm
Sorry, it is not possible for you with such big nose.
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Alba Jan 07, 2017 06:13pm
I want Pakistan to win the title. It has nothing to do with me.
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Wasi Qureshi Jan 07, 2017 06:15pm
In your dreams only...
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Thoroughthinker Jan 07, 2017 06:22pm
I want Pakistan to win the title of Miss World 2017 and tell the world about our reality far away from what we have been painted by all the unrelated vices.
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Khany Jan 07, 2017 06:22pm
Theirs many naturally beautiful girls in Pakistan which could easily win Miss Universe only if Pakistan participated.
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m.Asim Jan 07, 2017 06:35pm
We don't needs such titles...
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Princess_of_DHUMP Jan 07, 2017 06:38pm
@Aslam mehdi Cruel.
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Horseman Jan 07, 2017 06:43pm
Very plastic beauty.
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ABE Jan 07, 2017 07:00pm
I guess beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder.. But behold, I see no beauty here!
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Syed Zafar Kazmi U.s.a Jan 07, 2017 07:00pm
"Beauty pageants are a big platform for contestants today. They are opportunities to empower women with self-confidence. It can create many more opportunities for a woman to discover one's own potential." Completely absurd & silly. Beauty pageant is a platform to exploit women as a product by exposing curves, cleavage & other body parts. There are other platforms that provide abundant opportunities to discover, apply and excel in your potential of intellect, intelligence & talent such as the field of engineering, medicine, architecture, sports, and art & literature. Why not indulge in this wide expanse of opportunities and find your true potential based on intellect and mind rather than display of body that is devoid of mind .
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Prithviraj mali Jan 07, 2017 07:13pm
not with this big nose,
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Kerala Jan 07, 2017 07:14pm
Very big nose
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ga Jan 07, 2017 07:14pm
All power to her and to Pakistan.
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Skeptic Jan 07, 2017 07:18pm
If Trump has anything to do with holding the Miss World contest in the future, you would wish you had never participated in that parade.
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LL Jan 07, 2017 07:48pm
@Aslam mehdi ; come on man! No need to get nasty like that!!!
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Saira kalim mirza Jan 07, 2017 07:56pm
Beauty yes.... but nowadays pageants require brains too!!!
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Agha Ata Jan 07, 2017 08:38pm
That would be a beautiful thing if it happens and not noticed by our moral brigade. Incidentally, you do have a beautiful nose if a photogrpher can see it.
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India Jan 07, 2017 08:45pm
May be she will win on may be not. But one thing is straight that she has started it. I appritiate it. You go girl. Haters will hate.
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Najum Jan 07, 2017 08:52pm
Yes, but register your nose separately for the competition.
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HomeAlone Jan 07, 2017 09:10pm
Hope she does not become a target of hate by our ......
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Syed Zafar Kazmi U.s.a Jan 07, 2017 09:12pm
Everybody should have the right to do whatever pleases him or her within the premise of law but beauty pageantry is no display of intellect, intelligence or mental prowess. Body display has nothing to do with real talent- it is what it is. Call spade a spade; nothing else. While I would refrain from condemning it, it is not something I would recommend within my family and friends
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Joe Jan 07, 2017 09:31pm
I feel sorry for you as not many back home will support you.
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PK Jan 07, 2017 09:34pm
Damnmmmmm!!!
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Jj Jan 07, 2017 09:36pm
@Najum ; LOL!
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Truth Jan 07, 2017 09:51pm
No offense babe, but there are better, more productive and respectable ways of seeking fame and fortune. Although be careful what you crave or wish. No amount of fame or fortune can truly make you happy. You may be able to enjoy some creature comforts, buy material stuff, and even have fake friends. But in the end, you may still be left feeling unsatisfied with your life and what you have achieved. Money cannot buy you what is not sold in any Mall. A wise man once said: 'Happiest person is the one who didn't spend his lifetime in pursuit of material wealth, but contentment, inner peace and spiritual fulfillment. He didn't have too many friends, but had many admirers who envied him. He always looked peaceful and had a smile on his face. People who traveled to seek his wisdom arrived in fancy cars with bling bling, but looked miserable and felt lost. They had money but no inner-peace or happiness,'
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Shaktiman Jan 07, 2017 10:14pm
What's wrong with pakistani noses. Mahira has half feet long and she has 3 and half feet long
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Bobb Jan 07, 2017 10:27pm
Without meaning to criticise or discourage I would be vey surprised if you were not eliminated in the first few stages, good luck any way.
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yauqut khan Jan 07, 2017 10:37pm
@Aslam mehdi i have seen women with big noses and ugly looks winning these so called miss universe titles.
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Shahid Jan 07, 2017 11:09pm
Appreciate her ambitions and let her participate, winning isn't that necessary.
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ABDULRAHMAN Jan 07, 2017 11:38pm
@Joe true! however, the land of Pakistan is full of beauty queens! however, Pakistan should encourage the ambitious girls to show up on the international platform. there should be agencies to bring them on. There is a big fashion industry in the world that needs models and Pakistan has potentiality to fulfill the need of the industry. go to the villages and see the girls with tremendous beauty wasting their lives. choose them and pick them up. stop acting Pakistan and be bold and accept the reality of the world. how long will you suppress your girls ambitions?
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Chaudhry Jan 07, 2017 11:51pm
I really really do not want to Discourage her but she is too too far from reality ,
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raja Jan 07, 2017 11:52pm
Sorry but you got no chance!
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Jawad Jan 08, 2017 12:41am
@Khany I agree....Pakistani girls are beautiful
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Aik Pakistani Jan 08, 2017 01:13am
she looks so artificial
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Faisal Jan 08, 2017 01:50am
Lol...there are far more pretty girls out there in pak..
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Indian Jan 08, 2017 02:09am
Best of luck :) Even if you failed, it will be an achievement; because you at least tried! Keep trying and ignore what most of Pakistanis saying. Most of them has negative mindset.
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TROD Jan 08, 2017 03:03am
honestly ... we ( ppl from Pak) just consider having light skin color as the yard stick for Beauty. White Skin != ( not equal) Beauty. This lady is pretty, but not even close to compete in a beauty pageant.
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TROD Jan 08, 2017 03:03am
@Aslam mehdi TRUE that ..LOL
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TROD Jan 08, 2017 03:04am
@Horseman - yeah she is totally fake ,
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Naveed Jan 08, 2017 03:27am
Yes, even you could win that title, but in a different World, not this own. There is already too much plastic and silicon in this World.
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XYZ Jan 08, 2017 03:30am
@Khany ..If such a beautiful lady wishes so, then who can deny it!! Some day Pakistani beauties will definitely win Miss World and Miss Universe titles. Apart from being physically beautiful,they are very talented , have etiquette, well educated, well groomed, very impressive inner personality, very progressive mind set and above all they have will to succeed. Only thing is to provide them right platform and support to perform. I guess that Pakistani Miss Universe or Miss universe will be first ,from somewhere in Punjab province or from Pashtun community and then other parts will follow suit. Good luck!
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Khwarezmi Jan 08, 2017 03:32am
This is about HER winning the title. It has nothing to do with ME or PAKISTAN.
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T.M. Wazir Jan 08, 2017 04:02am
There are many beautiful faces in Pakistan who can win the title of miss. World and Universe if they participate but not this girl.
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DAWN READER Jan 08, 2017 07:23am
@Aslam mehdi You are right, I think there are much more better and beautiful girls in Pakistan but due to cultural and religious constraints they don't compete in these beauty contests. If an Indian girl can become Miss World or Miss Universe then why not a Pakistani beauty.
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Omar Jan 08, 2017 07:30am
The boy in her selfie looks cuter than her, just saying ! LOL
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Syed Zafar Kazmi U.s.a Jan 08, 2017 09:13am
@HomeAlone I'm together with you in this hope for everyone who wishes to pursue this path. let there be a greater Pakistan free of all prejudice, bigotry, provincialism, sectarianism, barbarism, elitism and class exploitation.
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Harthik rathod Jan 08, 2017 10:00am
Sorry..She is not miss world material.
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Khan Jan 08, 2017 10:59am
Miss World title is not about looks, it is about how smart a person is. Good luck.
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aslam shaikh Jan 08, 2017 11:12am
All women in Pakistan should follow this role model to succeed in life
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Thoughts changes Jan 08, 2017 11:51am
Pakistani girls are extremely beautiful,but all can't expose their body just for the sake of contest. Ofcourse there are no restrictions and one can decide individually or personally.
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Thoughts changes Jan 08, 2017 11:57am
@Aslam mehdi .If you can't appreciate ,please don't hurt her.
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Vijay B Jan 08, 2017 12:12pm
Shame on all those who have made nasty remarks about this gorgeous and intelligent young lady Diya Ali. Diya has modeled, acted, and won a beauty contest too; how many of you have done any of that? Bachi ka Haunsla badhane ke bajai usko nithash kar rahe ho? Take a look at yourself before you look at others, Aaine main apni shakal dekhi hai? Chale hain bachi ko criticize karne. Yes there is no dearth of gorgeous young women in Pakistan, nobody is stopping them from coming to the forefront either. This young lady has beauty, smarts and the courage to aspire to be great. Girte hain shah sawar maidane jung main, woh tifle kya giregaa jo ghutno ke bal chale? I wish Diya Ali the best of luck in all her endeavors. She will win and make all these nasties eat their words.
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IVAN THE TERRIFIC Jan 08, 2017 01:52pm
The philosophy of miss world winners has changed from selecting beauty and asthetics to selecting intelligent ambassadors it's not about superficiality anymore but substance and this lady has what it takes all the best of luck to her.
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Starzan90210 Jan 08, 2017 02:30pm
She will win the Title, InshaAllah!
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MJ Khan Jan 08, 2017 02:47pm
@Khany When Norway doesn't win many titles, we don't have any chance. Even Iran, Afghan, Turkish etc. women are far more beautiful than ours.
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Starzan90210 Jan 08, 2017 03:18pm
Very proud of our "Diya Ali", the Pakistani "Miss Perpetual" in "Miss Asia Pacific Pageant"! On her path to great accomplishments! Also, as a Multimedia Entertainment Actress and Supermodel. Multitasking. Very impressive. Also, get the SCREEN ACTORS GUILD USA Membership, pronto! Subsidized SAG Membership can be had via Sponsorship by Movie & Television Studios; such as the DREAMWORKS, which will be delighted to cast you in upcoming (Action, Adventure, Drama, SciFi) Movie Projects! Good reputable SAG Approved Agent is a must. Also, follow-up with FORD Models NY. YSL. DKNY. Presto, Presto. Do your very Besto! Wishing you all the good success in your good endeavors! InshaAllah! Don't give any attention to toxic people. Vision. Strategy. Logistics. Excellence in Execution! Have good fun and healthy smiles!
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Nasir London Jan 08, 2017 03:21pm
Go for it, and show the world Pakistan excels in beauties.
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Nasir London Jan 08, 2017 03:22pm
@m.Asim: Yes we do.
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Awesome Lyrics Jan 08, 2017 05:04pm
@Syed Zafar Kazmi U.s.a So can you name something that YOU have achieved over the years to make the country proud?
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lubnakhan Jan 09, 2017 12:46am
some how she looks so unreal...I donot understand why!!!
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SKZ Jan 09, 2017 02:38am
Nothing wrong about her nose and not every Miss World is necessarily extraordinary good looking
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zebswati Jan 09, 2017 11:51am
Oh ! after so many years , got the recall of "Pinocchio Story Cartoon " ."Pinocchio's nose continues to grow as he lies"!!
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SamZedd Jan 10, 2017 09:12am
@Vijay B well said
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Saira kalim mirza Jan 11, 2017 04:18am
@aslam shaikh rightly said
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