Anniqa Iqbal crowned Miss World Pakistan 2026

By Abdul Salam Ali 

LAHORE -- In a landmark moment for the nation, Pakistan has officially made its debut at the prestigious Miss World 2026 competition, marking the country’s first participation in the international pageant’s 73-year history.

The historic title of Miss World Pakistan 2026 was awarded to Anniqa Jamal Iqbal, a 24-year-old Master’s student in Accounting & Auditing and one of Pakistan’s most accomplished international beauty queens.

The crowning ceremony took place at Lahore’s iconic Faletti’s Hotel, where Anniqa was crowned by Dr. Shafaq Akhtar, Miss Pakistan Universal 2022, another distinguished Pakistani beauty queen queen accompanied by Attaullah Gujjar Mr. Pakistan World. 

No stranger to international competition, Anniqa has previously represented Pakistan at Miss Earth, Miss Global, Miss Cosmo, Miss Eco International, Miss Aura International, and also earned four titles in Kosovo at the Freedom of the World competition. Her extensive experience has established her as one of Pakistan’s most accomplished pageant representatives.

Beyond the stage, Anniqa is committed to humanitarian work. Her advocacy for the Miss World Beauty With a Purpose program focuses on supporting thalassaemia patients in Pakistan. She actively volunteers with the Sundas Foundation, Noor Foundation, and the Renal Care Foundation in Lahore, dedicating her time to improving the lives of patients requiring ongoing medical care.

Founded in 2002, the Miss Pakistan World Organization was established with one clear objective—to one day send an official Pakistani representative to the Miss World competition. The organization’s very name reflected that ambition, and after a quarter-century of unwavering commitment, that dream has finally become reality.

Pakistan’s debut at Miss World comes 73 years after the international pageant was established, making 2026 a defining year in the country’s pageant history.

The achievement stands as the culmination of 25 years of dedication by Sonia Ahmed and the Miss Pakistan World Organization, bringing Pakistan to one of the world’s most prestigious beauty competitions through a nationally organized pageant held on Pakistani soil.