Anniqa Meraj has been named Miss World Pakistan 2026, becoming the first woman from Pakistan to compete in the Miss World pageant. The Miss World organization confirmed this milestone on its official website and Instagram on Thursday, announcing that Meraj will travel to Vietnam to take part in the 75th Anniversary Edition of the Miss World Festival, scheduled from August 9 to September 5.
The crowning ceremony was held at Faletti’s Hotel in Lahore, where Meraj received her title from Dr. Shafaq Akhtar, Miss Pakistan Universal 2022, and Attaullah Gujjar, Mr. Pakistan World. This event marks Pakistan’s debut at the Miss World competition, although the country has gained increasing visibility in international beauty contests in recent years. Notably, Erica Robin and Roma Riaz have previously represented Pakistan at the Miss Universe pageant.
Meraj, 24, holds a degree in business and economics and is currently pursuing a master’s in auditing and accounting. She has expressed her ambition to become a State-Authorised Public Accountant and is committed to advocating for children’s rights and girls’ education to contribute to a brighter future for Pakistan.
With extensive experience in international pageantry, Meraj has represented Pakistan at several global contests, including Miss Earth, Miss Global, Miss Cosmo, Miss Eco International, and Miss Aura International. She also earned four titles at the Freedom of the World competition in Kosovo, underscoring her strong presence on the international stage.
