Saman Hasnain's crowning marks a time when modern and independent Pakistani women are doing all they can to gain a voice on the international stage.
Said Hasnain, who now lives in San Francisco with her family: "I would like to change the world’s perception of Pakistani women. It is important to raise funds and help resolve issues faced by Pakistan. I hope to act as a role model, and encourage, educate and motivate Pakistani women to help achieve a strong and progressive Pakistan."
The newly crowned Mrs Pakistan World 2008 is a real estate agent by trade, but has already worked diligently to aid a struggling Pakistan find its footing. She showed her charitable nature by helping build a school in a small village in Pakistan for 1000 children, and shown consistent support for DIL (Development in Literacy), all while volunteering at her children’s school in San Francisco. She plans to use her new title to increase her work and broaden her scope throughout the world.
Sonia Ahmed, president of Miss Canada Pakistan Inc, the organisation, which created Mrs. Pakistan World, said: "Our goal is to show the world that Pakistani women have a global voice and a desire to progress and help change the world.
She added:We created Miss Pakistan World in 2002 and we have seen our mission come to light as the crown winners have won several international titles and helped to prove that all Pakistani women can eventually have a positive and free-thinking future on a global scale.
Someone from western society may find it challenging to see how a beauty pageant would act as a means for women’s liberation, however for the women of Pakistan these pageants are a sign that there is a lot to look forward to in the progression of their country. A global voice is something that many of these women grew up not realising would be possible in their lifetime
