Misbah Arshad Crowned Miss Universe Pakistan 2026

News Desk

Islamabad: Psychology student and seasoned beauty pageant contestant Misbah Arshad has been selected as Miss Universe Pakistan 2026, earning the opportunity to represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe global competition.

Arshad was crowned during a ceremony in the Philippines, where Miss Universe Pakistan franchise owner Josh Yugan presented her with the honorary sash. Former Miss Universe Pakistan Roma Riaz placed the crown on her head.

Her selection came after a final question that focused less on beauty and more on personal growth and resilience.

Filipino musician and actor Bailey May asked Arshad which version of herself would pose the more difficult question if she were placed in a room with her 10-year-old and 80-year-old selves.

Arshad chose her 10-year-old self, saying her younger self would ask how her life had turned out. She said she would acknowledge her failures while explaining that success is defined by the ability to rise again after setbacks.

She described life as a cycle that should be fully experienced rather than simply accepted, using the metaphor that greater heat produces purer gold.

Arshad brings previous international pageant experience to the competition. She represented Pakistan at the Miss International pageant in Japan in 2023 and later participated in Miss Supranational in Poland in 2024.

Her latest title marks the fourth time Pakistan will be represented at the Miss Universe pageant.

Following her selection, Arshad is scheduled to travel to Puerto Rico to compete in the 75th Miss Universe pageant, where she will represent Pakistan on the international stage.

Her journey also gives her an opportunity to build on her previous international experience while presenting a message centred on resilience, personal growth and overcoming failure.