Misbah Arshad crowned Miss Universe Pakistan

Misbah Arshad has been crowned the new Miss Universe Pakistan after a closely contested selection process

Misbah Arshad has been crowned the new Miss Universe Pakistan after a closely contested selection process.

With the victory, Arshad will become the fourth Pakistani woman to represent the country at the Miss Universe competition.

The announcement was made during a ceremony in the Philippines. Miss Universe Pakistan franchise owner Josh Yugen presented Arshad with her sash.

Her predecessor, Roma Riaz, placed the crown on her head during the ceremony.

The final stage of the competition included a question that tested Arshad’s outlook on life and personal experiences.

Philippine musician and actor Bailey May asked her to imagine being in a room with her 10-year-old self and her 80-year-old self. She was asked which version of herself would ask the more difficult question.

Arshad said her 10-year-old self would pose the tougher question. She explained that the younger version of her would want to know how her life eventually turned out.

She said she would tell her younger self that failure is part of life. She would also explain that people can face setbacks at different stages but must continue to rise and move forward.

Arshad described life as a cycle that should not only be accepted but also enjoyed.

She used the example of gold being purified by intense heat to explain how difficulties can help people grow stronger.

The new beauty queen has a background in psychology and already has experience in international pageants.

She represented Pakistan at the Miss International 2023 competition in Japan. She later represented the country at Miss Supranational 2024 in Poland.

Her latest achievement will now take her to Puerto Rico, where she is scheduled to compete in the 75th edition of Miss Universe.

Following her crowning, Arshad reflected on the lessons she had learned throughout her journey.

She said failure does not determine whether a person is a winner. According to her, success comes from maintaining hope, continuing to work hard and improving with every step.

Arshad also said that although she had won the crown, the journey itself was the real prize.

She credited the experience with teaching her valuable lessons and introducing her to people who supported her along the way.

Her coronation outfit also carried a symbolic message.

Arshad wore a white gown featuring a crystal-covered bodice designed by Vietnamese fashion designer Nguyễn Tiến Truyển.

She said the white colour represented hope and served as a reminder to continue believing in one’s dreams.

The royal blue crystals, she explained, represented education and knowledge gained through continuous learning.