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Anniqa Meraj has been crowned Miss World Pakistan 2026 and will be the first Pakistani woman to represent the country at the Miss World pageant.

The crowning ceremony took place at Lahore’s Faletti’s Hotel, where Meraj was crowned by Dr Shafaq Akhtar, Miss Pakistan Universal 2022, and Attaullah Gujjar, Mr Pakistan World.  

Miss World made the announcement on its website and Instagram account on Thursday, saying Meraj would represent Pakistan at the 75th Anniversary Edition of the Miss World Festival in Vietnam from August 9 to September 5.

The 24-year-old old business and economics graduate is currently pursuing a master’s degree in auditing and accounting.

“My future ambitions is to achieve my dream of becoming a State-Authorised Public Accountant. And actively advocating for children’s rights and girls’ education to help build a brighter future for Pakistan,” she said, according to Miss World.

She has previously represented Pakistan at the Miss Earth, Miss Global, Miss Cosmo, Miss Eco International, and Miss Aura International competitions and has also won four titles at the Freedom of the World competition in Kosovo.

This may be the first time Pakistan is participating in the Miss World contest, but it isn’t the country’s first foray into pageants. In recent years, Pakistan’s participation in the Miss Universe pageant has been celebrated with Erica Robin and Roma Riaz both representing the country and winning hearts.