Anniqa Jamal Iqbal to Represent Pakistan at Miss World 2026

Dubai: Pakistan has named Anniqa Jamal Iqbal as its representative for the Miss World 2026 competition, giving the country a place on one of the world’s oldest international beauty pageant stages.

The 24-year-old was crowned during a ceremony in Lahore and is expected to compete with participants from more than 100 countries when the global contest takes place.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Accounting and Auditing, Anniqa has built a strong presence on the international pageant circuit over the past few years. She has previously represented Pakistan at competitions including Miss Earth, Miss Global, Miss Cosmo, Miss Eco International, and Miss Aura International. She also earned multiple honours at the Freedom of the World pageant held in Kosovo.

Beyond pageantry, Anniqa has been involved in charitable work centred on thalassemia awareness. Through the Miss World’s “Beauty With a Purpose” initiative, she has supported programmes that assist people living with the inherited blood disorder. She has also volunteered with organisations in Lahore that provide care to patients requiring long-term medical treatment.

The title was presented by Dr. Shafaq Akhtar, Miss Pakistan Universal 2022, in the presence of Attaullah Gujjar, who currently holds the Mr Pakistan World title.

Her selection is also seen as a landmark moment for the Miss Pakistan World Organization, which says it will have a contestant at the Miss World pageant for the first time since the organisation was established 25 years ago.

Founded in 1951, Miss World has grown into one of the most recognised international pageants. While contestants participate in traditional stage events, the competition also evaluates public speaking, community initiatives and social impact projects.

Over the decades, the pageant has launched the careers of several public figures. Former winners Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas are among the best-known examples, having gone on to establish successful careers in cinema after their Miss World victories.

With the national title secured, Anniqa will now begin preparing to represent Pakistan on the international stage, where she hopes to bring greater attention to her advocacy work while competing for the Miss World crown.