Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Misbah Iqbal goes down in history as Pakistan first Mrs. Pakistan
You have made history, how does it feel being the first Mrs. Pakistan World?
I feel ecstatic about obtaining the title. My friends, family, and other peers have been very supportive of my efforts and results thus far and only wish to see me excel even further. It is not very often that an opportunity like this comes around, and I intend to make the most out of it as a role model. There are thousands of women out there that need the motivation to try their best in everything that they do, knowing that there is a chance for success. While I may or may not be influential in this cause, I do feel that I am a glimmer of hope for single and married women out there that lack confidence in their abilities. I am very excited about the present and the future.
Tell us a little about yourself, your family, your husband and children.
I am a graduate of School of Business as a Certified Medical Assistant. I am twenty-two years old, and am married with 3 beautiful children. Currently, I am working towards an Associate's Degree from Houston Community College. I love to relax with my family and friends, and especially my kids more than anything. I have one son and two daughters. My son's name is Ahyan, and the twin girls are named Lina and Liya, and will soon be turning 3. Being a mother of three and pursuing a lifestyle of a role model definitely is not easy, but the experience makes my life a special one.
Is your husband supportive?
Yes, my husband is amazingly supportive. In fact, getting into this field was his decision, and he supported it as much as he could. He is very open-minded and I could not ask for a better husband than him.
What inspired you to take part in the Mrs. World pageant?
I have a lot of pride in my nation, and that was the main motivation to pursue the pageant. While there have been pageants for single women and married women before, the contestants lacked a strong Pakistani candidate. I aim to change that mindset and break the barrier that separates Pakistani women from their dreams in this field. I want to encourage all Pakistani women to follow their heart.
Are you excited to represent your nation Pakistan in a World pageant and as a married woman?
I could not be more excited than I already am. This opportunity only happens once in a lifetime, and I wish to dissolve a lot of stereotypes set forth on Pakistani women. Pakistan needs a worldwide candidate to represent itself in the entertainment industry, and I feel that being a married woman with three children further diversifies me from other Pakistani candidates.
Now there is a swimsuit at the Mrs. World pageant, how will you carry it off representing your nation- Pakistan?
There is a Mrs. Pageant competition, which does not utilize a two piece but instead a one piece swimsuit. It also has a wrap-around, so it will be similar to a short dress, which I feel is not inappropriate. It is nice and elegant, and I would not want to disrespect my religion or other Pakistani women unintentionally, so I have worked out some precautions. I do not wish to set any bad examples for my children or Pakistan; therefore I feel that my workaround is decent and fashionable at the same time.
What advice you have for married women who want to get into pageants?
If I could do it, anyone can do it. All you need is determination, and faith in your abilities to succeed. You stand up for your country in a positive manner, and it is a great feeling to reflect upon, for you and your peers.
Twenty years from now, if your daughter wants to participate in a beauty pageant, would you encourage it? And if she does, then she has a role model (yourself) to look up to, right?
Of course! I would definitely encourage my daughters to follow in their mother's footsteps. A lot of parents dream to be the role models of their children, and to me it would be one of the best experiences I could have. Women issues are being addressed, women are changing and you are that part of change that Pakistan needs very badly.
What change would you like to see in Pakistan and why?
I would like to see more Pakistani women pursue their education as much as they can, as it helps in all aspects of life. I'd also like for more Pakistani women to think for themselves, especially on the issues of marriage. Not everybody is ready for marriage, and unfortunately, Pakistani culture can sometimes force a couple to marriage prematurely for the sake of tradition and culture. These are minor links to a larger issue, but in summation, I want to see Pakistani women become more independent.
Are you a patriotic Pakistan, and if so what do you miss about Pakistan?
I love Pakistan and I miss Pakistan. I miss being able to walk on the insanely busy streets, and to attend month-long wedding celebrations. Pakistan certainly has its own unique culture to differentiate itself from other countries, and no country could match its beauty in my perspective. I also miss the fabulous food, I miss the beauty of Clifton beach, the walks I used to take with my family and Tariq Road and much more….
Pakistani beauty queens have won titles, a good 5 international titles in the past 4 years and competed in 9 international pageants since 2003. This it self is a tremendous success. What do you think you will contribute to the Pakistan pageant industry, winner or no winner?
In my mind, I am a winner no matter what the outcome, simply because I am the first married Muslim woman to compete at this level. My main goal is to provide motivation to other female Pakistanis to build their self confidence, and hopefully encourage more to compete. Pakistan and its population have a lot of untapped talent that needs to be realized in numerous fields, one of them being pageants. I am very proud of the girls that have tried their hardest in these pageants, and wish them the best of luck. Pakistan is definitely becoming more and more recognized over time.
Your children are very young, what reason are you giving them, when they ask as to where mummy is going? And is this the first time you will stay without your children?
Well, my children are very young so they cannot ask me that question yet, however when they do ask, I will proudly tell them that their mother was Mrs. Pakistan 2007. Once they are old enough to understand the magnitude of the title, I believe that they will be shocked. This isn't the first time I've left my kids alone; I had to fly to Pakistan and Dubai to take care of some personal interests, and left my kids at the care of my family, as well as my husband.
Finally, Misbah, I would like to congratulate you and ask you if you have a final statement to make to the many single as well as married Pakistani women out there.
If I can take chances and give my all without regret, you can too.
I feel ecstatic about obtaining the title. My friends, family, and other peers have been very supportive of my efforts and results thus far and only wish to see me excel even further. It is not very often that an opportunity like this comes around, and I intend to make the most out of it as a role model. There are thousands of women out there that need the motivation to try their best in everything that they do, knowing that there is a chance for success. While I may or may not be influential in this cause, I do feel that I am a glimmer of hope for single and married women out there that lack confidence in their abilities. I am very excited about the present and the future.
Tell us a little about yourself, your family, your husband and children.
I am a graduate of School of Business as a Certified Medical Assistant. I am twenty-two years old, and am married with 3 beautiful children. Currently, I am working towards an Associate's Degree from Houston Community College. I love to relax with my family and friends, and especially my kids more than anything. I have one son and two daughters. My son's name is Ahyan, and the twin girls are named Lina and Liya, and will soon be turning 3. Being a mother of three and pursuing a lifestyle of a role model definitely is not easy, but the experience makes my life a special one.
Is your husband supportive?
Yes, my husband is amazingly supportive. In fact, getting into this field was his decision, and he supported it as much as he could. He is very open-minded and I could not ask for a better husband than him.
What inspired you to take part in the Mrs. World pageant?
I have a lot of pride in my nation, and that was the main motivation to pursue the pageant. While there have been pageants for single women and married women before, the contestants lacked a strong Pakistani candidate. I aim to change that mindset and break the barrier that separates Pakistani women from their dreams in this field. I want to encourage all Pakistani women to follow their heart.
Are you excited to represent your nation Pakistan in a World pageant and as a married woman?
I could not be more excited than I already am. This opportunity only happens once in a lifetime, and I wish to dissolve a lot of stereotypes set forth on Pakistani women. Pakistan needs a worldwide candidate to represent itself in the entertainment industry, and I feel that being a married woman with three children further diversifies me from other Pakistani candidates.
Now there is a swimsuit at the Mrs. World pageant, how will you carry it off representing your nation- Pakistan?
There is a Mrs. Pageant competition, which does not utilize a two piece but instead a one piece swimsuit. It also has a wrap-around, so it will be similar to a short dress, which I feel is not inappropriate. It is nice and elegant, and I would not want to disrespect my religion or other Pakistani women unintentionally, so I have worked out some precautions. I do not wish to set any bad examples for my children or Pakistan; therefore I feel that my workaround is decent and fashionable at the same time.
What advice you have for married women who want to get into pageants?
If I could do it, anyone can do it. All you need is determination, and faith in your abilities to succeed. You stand up for your country in a positive manner, and it is a great feeling to reflect upon, for you and your peers.
Twenty years from now, if your daughter wants to participate in a beauty pageant, would you encourage it? And if she does, then she has a role model (yourself) to look up to, right?
Of course! I would definitely encourage my daughters to follow in their mother's footsteps. A lot of parents dream to be the role models of their children, and to me it would be one of the best experiences I could have. Women issues are being addressed, women are changing and you are that part of change that Pakistan needs very badly.
What change would you like to see in Pakistan and why?
I would like to see more Pakistani women pursue their education as much as they can, as it helps in all aspects of life. I'd also like for more Pakistani women to think for themselves, especially on the issues of marriage. Not everybody is ready for marriage, and unfortunately, Pakistani culture can sometimes force a couple to marriage prematurely for the sake of tradition and culture. These are minor links to a larger issue, but in summation, I want to see Pakistani women become more independent.
Are you a patriotic Pakistan, and if so what do you miss about Pakistan?
I love Pakistan and I miss Pakistan. I miss being able to walk on the insanely busy streets, and to attend month-long wedding celebrations. Pakistan certainly has its own unique culture to differentiate itself from other countries, and no country could match its beauty in my perspective. I also miss the fabulous food, I miss the beauty of Clifton beach, the walks I used to take with my family and Tariq Road and much more….
Pakistani beauty queens have won titles, a good 5 international titles in the past 4 years and competed in 9 international pageants since 2003. This it self is a tremendous success. What do you think you will contribute to the Pakistan pageant industry, winner or no winner?
In my mind, I am a winner no matter what the outcome, simply because I am the first married Muslim woman to compete at this level. My main goal is to provide motivation to other female Pakistanis to build their self confidence, and hopefully encourage more to compete. Pakistan and its population have a lot of untapped talent that needs to be realized in numerous fields, one of them being pageants. I am very proud of the girls that have tried their hardest in these pageants, and wish them the best of luck. Pakistan is definitely becoming more and more recognized over time.
Your children are very young, what reason are you giving them, when they ask as to where mummy is going? And is this the first time you will stay without your children?
Well, my children are very young so they cannot ask me that question yet, however when they do ask, I will proudly tell them that their mother was Mrs. Pakistan 2007. Once they are old enough to understand the magnitude of the title, I believe that they will be shocked. This isn't the first time I've left my kids alone; I had to fly to Pakistan and Dubai to take care of some personal interests, and left my kids at the care of my family, as well as my husband.
Finally, Misbah, I would like to congratulate you and ask you if you have a final statement to make to the many single as well as married Pakistani women out there.
If I can take chances and give my all without regret, you can too.
Pakistan : Misbah Iqbal to compete in Mrs World Pageant 2007 in Russia!
Misbah Iqbal, a 22 year old, married mother of three, is taking a step by representing Pakistan in the Mrs. World pageant to be held in Sochi, Russia. Misbah Iqbal was born on June 1st, 1984 in Karachi, Pakistan. At the age of 22 she will be the first married woman with 3 children to be competing in the Mrs. World Pageant 2007, after achieving the title of Mrs. Pakistan World 2007. Misbah is a certified medical assistant since 2002, and is currently working on her Associate's degree in Science. She aspires to become a physician's assistant in the future. History will be made as Pakistan's first married woman will participate in the prestigious Mrs. World Pageant in 2007.In her words, "I would like to become the role model for all the Pakistani women out there that have talents buried deep within them, but are scared of bringing them out. Being a mother of three, and having to juggle education and beauty pageants may seem daunting, but it is entirely possible if you have to willpower to do so. Anything is possible with the proper motivation.” “I wish to encourage other Pakistani women that feel that they cannot succeed in this medium, and hopefully strengthen the influence of the Pakistani women throughout the world; the first step is this pageant. At the end of the day, when you get past the stress of competing in pageants and deciding what to do with life, family is always there for you, and is your number one critic, whether good or bad. My husband and my family have been very supportive of me, and I couldn't ask for a more supportive family than the one I currently have. “
Misbah Iqbal, Pakistan's first married title holder
Misbah Iqbal (Urdu: مصبح اقبال ) was crowned the first ever Mrs. Pakistan World, marking the first time in history that a married woman would represent Pakistan in international competition. Although met with some controversy, Iqbal went on to compete in Mrs. World 2007 and made way for married Pakistan women to gain an international voice on a global scale.
Her successes will always be noted as a shift in Pakistan's history, and the pageant's creator, Sonia Ahmed pioneered the movement five years prior with the birth of its sister pageant, Miss Pakistan World.
Misbah Iqbal is currently a certified medical assistant and is studying for her Associate's Degree in Science. A mother of 3 (twin girls Lina and Liya and son Ahyan), Iqbal has made a great difference in the progression of Pakistani women.
About her Mrs. World entry:
"My husband is so proud of me and so excited for me. (He) also helped me prepare for the pageant by encouraging me at every step. My in-laws as well as my parents are very excited and they talk with pride about my participation in the Mrs. World Pageant." Although her children are too young to completely grasp the magnitude of her title, "my children know that mommy is going somewhere..."
When asked about the reaction from the Pakistani community, Iqbal insists that she has only received support and blessings. However, she is aware of those who discourage Pakistani girls from entering pageants or participating in the entertainment industry, and she simply chooses to ignore the discouragement. She advises other women to "fight these people and proceed forward in representing Pakistan internationally."
On Women's Issues and the future of Pakistan:
She wholeheartedly believes that the approach to marriage is becoming more progressive in Pakistan. "The stress of arranged marriages is weakening and couples are starting to experiment with each other to see if they match well. There are boyfriends and girlfriends who are now open with their relationships, but it is progressing to where it is comfortable with both men and women."
She feels that Pakistani women need to support one another, especially married women. "Pakistani women need a lot of support. Pakistan is changing. We want to support each other." Iqbal is also passionate and outspoken about women's issues in Pakistan. She hopes that Pakistani women will eventually become independent and have the freedom to choose their own paths. "I would like to see more Pakistani women pursue their education as much as they can, as it helps in all aspects of life. I'd also like for more Pakistani women to think for themselves, especially on issues of marriage."
Her successes will always be noted as a shift in Pakistan's history, and the pageant's creator, Sonia Ahmed pioneered the movement five years prior with the birth of its sister pageant, Miss Pakistan World.
Misbah Iqbal is currently a certified medical assistant and is studying for her Associate's Degree in Science. A mother of 3 (twin girls Lina and Liya and son Ahyan), Iqbal has made a great difference in the progression of Pakistani women.
About her Mrs. World entry:
"My husband is so proud of me and so excited for me. (He) also helped me prepare for the pageant by encouraging me at every step. My in-laws as well as my parents are very excited and they talk with pride about my participation in the Mrs. World Pageant." Although her children are too young to completely grasp the magnitude of her title, "my children know that mommy is going somewhere..."
When asked about the reaction from the Pakistani community, Iqbal insists that she has only received support and blessings. However, she is aware of those who discourage Pakistani girls from entering pageants or participating in the entertainment industry, and she simply chooses to ignore the discouragement. She advises other women to "fight these people and proceed forward in representing Pakistan internationally."
On Women's Issues and the future of Pakistan:
She wholeheartedly believes that the approach to marriage is becoming more progressive in Pakistan. "The stress of arranged marriages is weakening and couples are starting to experiment with each other to see if they match well. There are boyfriends and girlfriends who are now open with their relationships, but it is progressing to where it is comfortable with both men and women."
She feels that Pakistani women need to support one another, especially married women. "Pakistani women need a lot of support. Pakistan is changing. We want to support each other." Iqbal is also passionate and outspoken about women's issues in Pakistan. She hopes that Pakistani women will eventually become independent and have the freedom to choose their own paths. "I would like to see more Pakistani women pursue their education as much as they can, as it helps in all aspects of life. I'd also like for more Pakistani women to think for themselves, especially on issues of marriage."
Misbah Iqbal, First Mrs. Pakistan World to go done in history
Misbah Iqbal was born on June 1st, 1984 in Karachi, Pakistan. At the age of 22 she will be the first married woman with 3 children to be competing in the Mrs. World Pageant 2007, after achieving the title of Mrs. Pakistan World 2007. Misbah is a certified medical assistant since 2002, and is currently working on her Associate's degree in Science. She aspires to become a physician's assistant in the future. History will be made as Pakistan's first married woman will participate in the prestigious Mrs. World Pageant in 2007.In her words, "I would like to become the role model for all the Pakistani women out there that have talents buried deep within them, but are scared of bringing them out. Being a mother of three, and having to juggle education and beauty pageants may seem daunting, but it is entirely possible if you have to willpower to do so. Anything is possible with the proper motivation. I wish to encourage other Pakistani women that feel that they cannot succeed in this medium, and hopefully strengthen the influence of the Pakistani women throughout the world; the first step is this pageant.
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