Misbah Arshad crowned Miss Universe Pakistan

Misbah Arshad will represent Pakistan at the Miss Universe pageant after being selected as the country’s new titleholder, becoming the fourth Pakistani to compete at the international event.

The new Miss Universe Pakistan was announced at a ceremony in the Philippines, where Arshad received her sash from franchise owner Josh Yugen and the crown from outgoing titleholder Roma Riaz.

Her answer to the final question helped set her apart from the other contestants. Asked whether her 10-year-old or 80-year-old self would pose the more difficult question, Arshad said it would be her younger self.

She said her younger self would ask how her life had turned out. Arshad responded that she would explain that she had failed at different points but had learned to get back up and keep moving forward.

“The hotter the fire, the purer the gold,” she said, describing life as a cycle that should not only be accepted but enjoyed.

Arshad, who is studying psychology, is no stranger to international pageants. She previously represented Pakistan at Miss International 2023 in Japan and Miss Supranational 2024 in Poland.

She is now set to travel to Puerto Rico for the 75th edition of Miss Universe.

Reflecting on her victory, Arshad said failure alone did not determine whether a person was a winner. She said perseverance, hope and the willingness to improve were what mattered.