Oops.. Pak beauty condones blasts

Islamabad, Dec. 19 (PTI): Pakistanis are poking fun at their own beauty queen who has told CNN she “condones” the Mumbai attacks.

Natasha Paracha, the reigning Miss Pakistan World who is a Berkeley graduate, reportedly said: “The image of Pakistan has been threatened with these recent attacks and I feel that now as Pakistanis we have to stand up and condone what has happened in the country of India and through these Mumbai attacks.”

Pakistani blogger Kamil Yousuf said Natasha used the word “condone” twice. The second time she said: “As an ambassador to my country, Pakistan, I feel that we as Pakistanis need to work together and Indians as well need to work and work on this friendship that we have and condone these attacks thoroughly.”

Kamil could not help take a dig at her in his post. “Dear Miss Pakistan World,” he said, “the word is ‘condemn’, not ‘condone’.”

“There are many silly but well-meaning things she says during this interview,” Kamil wrote. “For instance, that India and Pakistan have for many years been both friends and colleagues and that Natasha is somehow an ambassador ‘to’ Pakistan.”

When it was pointed out that India and Pakistan have been enemies for decades and asked if there is any sympathy for terrorists in her country, Natasha, who is based in New York, said: “...yes there has been cross-border tension but India and Pakistan have been working as friends and as colleagues for many years now.”

Asked how she would tackle terrorism, Natasha began talking about portraying Pakistani women as being strong.

On British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s observation that most terror plots being investigated have links to Pakistan, she said: “These are non-state actors.”

Natasha said: “Pakistan has been working to fight terrorism for a few years now and as President Zardari has said and Prime Minister Gilani has stated that we are going to work with the world community to fight this terrorism.”

The Miss Pakistan World pageant, which is in its sixth edition, is frowned upon by conservative forces in the country.

Kamil admitted that he did not know Pakistan had a Miss Pakistan World by the name of Natasha Paracha or that she was the chairperson of Pakistani affairs with the UN International Renewable Energy Organisation.

“I was actually quite surprised on both counts. But surely, if you were going to appear on CNN wearing a Miss Pakistan sash in order to give a statement on behalf of your country in the midst of a political crisis, you would take the time to learn the difference between two fairly critical antonyms. You went to Berkeley, for God’s sake,” he wrote.

One blogger, called hanginguppakistan.com, was however, surprised that CNN chose to speak to a beauty queen about politics.

“How can you logically expect profound statements from pageant girls who constantly regurgitate lines about world peace?”

'Dear Miss Pakistan the word is condemn, not condone'

Islamabad (PTI): Pakistanis are poking fun at a beauty queen from the country who, in a recent interview, said she "condones" the Mumbai attacks.

Reigning Miss Pakistan World Natasha Paracha, a Berkley graduate, said she "condoned" the Mumbai attacks not once, but twice in an interview with CNN earlier this week.
"There are many silly, but well-meaning things she says during this interview For instance, that India and Pakistan have for many years been both 'friends' and 'colleagues', and that Natasha is somehow an ambassador 'to' Pakistan," wrote blogger Kamil Yousuf.

The especially daft one was as follows: "The image of Pakistan has been threatened with these recent attacks and I feel that now as Pakistanis we have to stand up and condone what has happened in the country of India and through these Mumbai attacks."

Yousuf wrote that though Paracha's use of the word "condone" appeared to be a slip of the tongue, she had used it again in the same interview when she said: "as an ambassador to my country Pakistan I feel that we as Pakistanis need to work together and Indians as well need to work and work on this friendship that we have and condone these attacks, thoroughly.

In his post titled "Dear Miss Pakistan World, the word is 'condemn', not 'condone'", Yousuf admitted that he did not know Pakistan had a 'Miss Pakistan World' by the name of Natasha Paracha or that she was the chairperson of Pakistani affairs with the United Nations International Renewable Energy Organisation.

Pakistan May Not Be Ready for Its Beauty Queen

Pakistan May Not Be Ready for Its Beauty Queen

If you live in the East Village, you may have seen the reigning Miss Pakistan coming out of her walk-up not far from St. Marks Place. You may have glimpsed her celebrating her victory with some friends at the Hudson Hotel, or entering one of the jazz clubs where she likes to hear live music.

Every once in a while, you can catch Miss Pakistan, Natasha Paracha, 24, hopping out of a cab in her rhinestone tiara, fresh from an appearance. “Give me that tiara!” a young man with his boyfriend called out to her on such an occasion a few weeks ago. “I want it!” She flashed them a megawatt smile but kept the tiara, which she normally stashes in a floral-patterned box in her closet.

On the one hand, it seems only natural that Miss Pakistan should live in downtown Manhattan, a place where celebrity seems to be its own form of local citizenry. On the other hand, it makes no sense at all. You could say a lot about the glamorous internationalism of, say, Shanghai, and yet there’s no chance that you’d catch the reigning Miss America taking up residence there, limiting herself to an audience of expatriates.

The Miss Pakistan pageant, now in its sixth year, is unique as these things go. None of this year’s 12 contestants, to start, reside in Pakistan, but hail instead from the United States, Canada and England. (The full title reflects that international flavor: Miss Pakistan World.) And the contestants do not compete for the crown in Lahore or Islamabad, but in Mississauga, Ontario. Pakistan, apparently, is not yet ready for a beauty pageant, although why that is depends on whom you ask.

“It’s still a new country, and pageantry is a new concept there,” said Ms. Paracha, chic in a Nanette Lepore dress, sipping an espresso at the Blue Water Grill. “The entertainment industry is just developing.”

Ms. Paracha, who works at the United Nations and has lived in the United States since age 2, allowed that there might be some backlash in Pakistan, a conservative Muslim state, if one of its representatives were to compete internationally in a bikini. Indeed, Amna Buttar, a founder of the Asian-American Network Against Abuse of Human Rights, who lives in Lahore, pointed out that there is currently a scandal brewing in Pakistan over a leak of photographs of the daughter of the governor of Punjab swimming in a bikini.

“In Pakistan, we are trying to get basic rights for women: right to marry, right to divorce, equal opportunity for job and education, and issues like Miss Pakistan create problems for this movement,” Ms. Buttar said in an e-mail message. “An average Pakistani young woman does not want to wear a bikini in public, and for her it is important to have equal opportunity and all focus should be on that, and not on a pageant where only the elite can participate.”

The founder of the pageant, a Toronto entrepreneur named Sonia Ahmed, said that she had been making plans to take the pageant to Pakistan as soon as next year until the fall of President Pervez Musharraf, whose government was considered relatively open to the advancement of women — which in Pakistan, at least, meant the conditions were relatively favorable for aspiring beauty queens. Now, she is keeping the pageant in Canada because she cannot guarantee the security of contestants.

“It may only be like 1 percent of the total population, but the fundamentalist problem is still present in Pakistan,” Ms. Ahmed said.

Since she was crowned in May, Ms. Paracha, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, has limited her appearances to the United States, speaking at a gathering of nonresident Pakistanis in New York, showing up at a Pakistan Day celebration in Washington, raising money for Vision of Development, a nonprofit agency that she started in high school to support rural Pakistani women, and making the occasional media appearance.

This month, she went on CNN to urge her country to stand up and condemn the terrorist attacks on Mumbai, except that she accidentally used the word condone. Fortunately, it was clear from the context what she meant, and no international incidents ensued. (Slip of the tongue or not, her comments were an improvement on those of a previous Miss Pakistan: calling President Musharraf a “hunk” she’d like to date.)

So Ms. Paracha is a beauty queen, unlike most others in some important regards, and a lot like them in others: a comely ambassador for her country who’s eager to avoid controversy, promote her country and be a good role model for young women (she’s also an accomplished flamenco dancer). She told CNN she’d like “to show that Pakistani women are strong and we can definitely do a lot to represent the nation on a global sphere.”

It may sound like yet another blandishment, but given what Ms. Ahmed had to say, Ms. Paracha, who is traveling to Islamabad on Saturday to see her family and, she hopes, make press appearances, may be making more of a political statement than she would care to admit in taking on that particular crown.

In future global competitions, Ms. Paracha, an observant Muslim, says yes, she’d be willing to wear a bikini (there was no bathing suit event in this year’s Miss Pakistan competition, though there has been twice since 2002). “It’s just one small aspect of the pageant,” she said. Because both Miss World and Miss Universe require that their competitors be crowned in the country they represent, Ms. Paracha is ineligible for those competitions. But Miss Tourism Queen International — watch out!

E-mail: susan.dominus@nytimes.com

Miss Pakistan World 2008 - Natasha Paracha

Miss Pakistan World 2008 - Natasha Paracha

Miss Pakistan World 2008 on Mumbai Blasts

Dec 07, 2008 – "The recent tragedy in Mumbai was the work of misguided individuals who do not represent a specific religion, creed or nationality," said Miss Pakistan World Natasha Paracha. "The fact these young men may have links to Pakistan is in no way indicative of the culture and caliber of people that represent Pakistan. It is my hope the world views this tragedy with those thoughts in mind as we all mourn for the victims and their families." Paracha, only the sixth woman in the history of her country to be named Miss Pakistan World when she won that honor earlier this year, also serves as the Chairperson of Pakistani Affairs with the International Renewable Energy Organization at the United Nations. Miss Paracha is a 2005 graduate of the University of California at Berkeley earning a degree in Political Science and Business Administration. While in college she also founded the Pakistani Students Association.

Besides her work at the United Nations, Miss Paracha has created a non-profit foundation, Vision of Development, in which the goal is to reach out to the poverty stricken regions in Pakistan.

"My intention as Miss Pakistan World is to raise awareness and help the world understand the plight of my fellow countrymen," said Paracha. "I'm interested in dispelling misperceptions of the country of Pakistan, as well as aid in the empowerment of women in my country. The role of women in Pakistan is one of the most misunderstood notions in the world today." Paracha's involvement in renewable energy and alternatives has lead her to forming the non-profit organizaton which is dedicated to clean water initiatives in the Middle East, Haiti, Libya and Brazil. Q&A with Miss Pakistan World Natasha Paracha:

Q: What are your thoughts on the recent tragedy in Mumbai?
NP: The tragedy in Mumbai has left us all in shock. It is difficult to understand that such violent acts are taking place in metropolitan regions. First, the attacks that were carried out at Marriott in Islamabad and now this. It is important for the world to recognize that the individuals who carried out the attacks do not represent any religion, creed or nationality. I have family and friends that live close to the Taj and Oberoi and my heart goes out to all those innocent people involved.

Q: What is the most misunderstood aspect about Pakistani women and the role they play in that society:
NP: In history, there definitely has been a misconception in the Western world that Pakistani women come in second compared to their male counterparts. However, women in Pakistan have played a major role in politics and activism. Pakistan is the first country in the Muslim world to see a female Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto. Pakistan also has seen great female leaders in the arts, legal arena and work force.

Q: You are involved in a non-profit energy initiative. What do you hope to accomplish?
NP: I work for the Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Organization at the United Nations. IREO is an intergovernmental organization that works to promote the use of affordable, clean sources of renewable energy worldwide. It strives to make alternative renewable energy sources a key component to eradicate the current depletion of our environment by the use of fossil fuels that has led to our climate change and the energy crisis we are now facing. IREO strives to achieve global energy security, and bridge the energy divide with a special priority for the Developing and Least Developed countries in the world.

Q: What are your future plans?
NP: I would love to represent Pakistan in international pageant in April, but for now my future plans as Miss Pakistan World include promoting the rich culture and traditions of Pakistan, empowering women in rural regions of the country through various NGO work, and promoting the necessity of literacy among children in Pakistan.

www.natashaparacha.com

September 14, 2008 - Launch of Natasha Paracha's Website. Please visit the website of Natasha Paracha: Miss Pakistan World 2008http://www.natashaparacha.com/

Miss Pakistan World 2008 Natasha Paracha at events in New York City and DC

Natasha Paracha, Miss Pakistan World 2008 to speak at the NRP Summit

Natasha Paracha, Miss Pakistan World 2008 will be the first Miss Pakistan World to be speaking at the NRP Summit in New York at the Roosevelt Hotel on the 23rd of August 2008.

Natasha Paracha, Miss Pakistan World 2008 and Chairman Pakistan Affairs, UN International Renewable Energy Organization for the United Nations will speak along Imran Khan (Leader of Tehreek-e-Insaaf and Mohammad Mian Somroo (Ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan) at the NRP Summit in New York on the 23rd of August 2008. Other notable speakers include: Masood Jabbar, Hussain Haqqani, Imran Khan, Hasan Naqvi, Sheheryar Azhar, M Saud Anwar, Imran Khand, Dr. Imran Shah, Dr. Hina Chaudhry, Sadiq H. Zaidi, Shahid Khan

Miss Paracha graduated from the University of California Berkeley in 2005 with honors in Political Science and Business. She was the founding member of the Pakistani Students Association at UC Berkeley in 2002. Natasha Paracha is also the founder of a non-profit called Vision of Development in which the goal is to reach out to the poverty stricken regions in Pakistan. She was recently crowned Miss Pakistan 2008 and will be representing Pakistan internationally this November in Miss Earth which will be held in Manila, Philippines. Miss Paracha is the Chairman of Pakistani Affairs with the International Renewable Energy Organization at the United Nations. Natasha’s main aim is to implement various renewable energy projects in Pakistan: Sugar Cane for Ethanol, Wind Farms, Solar Energy, Clean Water, and Reuse of Fried Oil.

Natasha Paracha is the sixth Miss Pakistan World and will be representing Pakistan at the Miss Earth beauty pageant in November this year. Natasha believes in bringing Pakistan on the map in the world of beauty pageants. In her words Natasha said that Pakistan has a lot to give in the entertainment industry and that there are a lot of talented people in Pakistan. Natasha firmly believes that beauty pageants are one way for the women of Pakistan to express themselves, and that it provides a strong platform for young women to showcase their talent.

Person of the Week: Miss Pakistan World Natasha Paracha

Natasha Paracha, 23 and a graduate from University of California at Berkeley was crowned the new Miss Pakistan World in the annual beauty pageant in Toronto replacing Mahleej Sarkari. Paracha outdid a bevy of Pakistani beauties in the pageant to win the crown.

She is presently living in New York and has founded the Pakistani Students Association at UC Berkley and a non-profit organization called “Vision of Development”, which works for the upliftment of women in the backward areas of Pakistan.

The South Asian Times asked her a few questions on her recently found success as Miss Pakistan World.

1. How do you feel after winning the contest?
I was really honored and excited to win the title of Miss PakistanWorld 2008. There were lot of different emotions going through myhead, but I was very happy that the hard work and dedication paidoff.

2. Where were you born and brought up?
I was born in Islamabad, Pakistan. Soon after, my parents decided to moveto Los Angeles for my fathers watch business. However, my parents givemuch importance to knowing our roots, so we divide our time betweenPakistan and the U.S.

3. What are your strengths that set you apart from other contestants?
I feel that in order to represent your country in a pageant thereare strengths that all contestants must possess -beauty,intelligence, poise, humbleness and grace. I feel that I, alongwith all the other contestants of this years Miss Pakistan Worldpageant possessed these qualities. However, I feel that my passionfor life and drive to excel is what shinned during the interviewportion.

4. What are the Challenges you faced while preparing for the pageant?
When I first set out to take part of this pageant, I wanted my platform tobe different. I wanted to promote South Asian designers, stylists,choreographers and interview coaches. It was a struggle at first when Iset out to find individuals from the South Asian community, but it waswell worth it. I feel that it if we work together as a community, we canstrive to achieve greater things.

5. How do you keep yourself fit?
I don't have much of a crazy workout routine or a strict diet. Ijust try to eat healthy and incorporate a variety of fitnessactivities in my everyday routine. Balance and moderation are keyto a healthy and happy lifestyle.

6. Who has been your role model or inspiration?
My mother has been my role model and inspiration to me. She hasbeen an amazing mother and friend. She has taught me theimportance of being a strong female leader in not only thecommunity, but also in college and through my work at the UnitedNations. She has pushed me to strive for higher goals and furthermy successes. My mom has taught me that life doesn't stop, as soonas you have climbed over one hurdle, you must continue to the next.

7. How much has participating in this pageant benefited you?
Participating in Miss Pakistan World has opened many doors for me. Thispageant has provided me with a platform to be an ambassador for mycountry and represent Pakistan at an international level. I am honoredand humbled with my new role.

8. Did you get along well with the other participants in the competition?
Before coming to the pageant, I did not know what to expect fromthe other participants in the competition. We all became so closein the first few days of coaching. It became more of a team thananything else and we all worked together rather than ascompetitors. I feel as though we became like sisters over thecourse of the training and competition.

9. What are your future plans after your victory? Do you plan to make the world a better place to live in, especially for women?
I hope to work hard this year and work towards economic developmentin Pakistan, the alleviation of poverty, foster educationalopportunities for youth and be an advocate for women's rights. Asan ambassador for my country, I hope to work with various charityorganizations, corporate sponsors, and the community to accomplishthese aspirations.

10. Any Advice for future contestants?
My advice to future contestants is to mentally prepare them. Have a platform set for yourself and know why you want to enter this pageant because after you win, you will be a representative for your nation.

Indeed a woman of substance, Paracha is a true beauty with brains.

By Nikki Rattan

Miss Pakistan Pageant is More Than a Beauty Contest: It is About Serving the Humanity: An Exclusive Interview with Natasha Paracha: Miss Pak World 08

Photo by Mani

Natasha Paracha works for the United Nations in New York. She was born in Islamabad, Pakistan in 1984. She moved to USA with her parents in 1986. On May 23rd, 2008 at the Versailles Convention Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, she got crowned with the Title of the 6th Miss World Pakistan 2008.

This past week, Natasha Paracha was here in Houston. Our Staff at The Pakistan Publication Inc. (TPPI) met Ms. Paracha, her Brother Sharukh and Amin Dewji of Rupani Foundation at the Double Tree Hotel Galleria. Below is the exclusive interview we conducted with Natasha Paracha (NP):

TPPI: Tell us about yourself.
NP: I was born in 1984 in Islamabad, Pakistan. I came to Los Angles (LA) California when I was two years old. My parents are in intentional trade of Diamond Watches. Their brand name is "Fuel". I got my education in LA. I went to Walnut High School in Southern California and then graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in Political Science and Business. Here with me is my 18 years old Brother Sharukh: He goes to the Business School at SMC LA. I also have a sister Rabia, who has just graduated in political science from the University of California at San Diego. Due to the nature of my parents business, I got chance to visit Pakistan every year during all this time. I joined in October 2007 the I.R.E.O (International Renewable Energy Organization) at the United Nations as the Chairman of Pakistan Affairs.

TPPI: Why did you choose to work for the UN?
NP: I have always wanted to be in world affairs career with emphasis on humanity services. UN provides this excellent platform to make a difference in the lives of human beings.

TPPI: What are you doing at present at the UN?
NP: I will be leaving for Pakistan on July 21st to work on Clean Water Projects in various cities and villages in Pakistan. We will start with the Water Quality Issues in Islamabad.

TPPI: You talked about you work at the UN in the Renewable Energies Initiative: But here you are talking about Clean Water: Are you going to consider working in Pakistan on Renewable Energies?
NP: Yes: That is also part of the overall program. Case Studies similar to the ones done in USA and Brazil on Wind and Solar Energies will be done in Pakistan as well. For water purification, we are taking new pump technology to Pakistan to clean water within two days at the water source helping population group of 10,000 people.

TPPI: You have a degree in Political Science: Will you ever consider entering into political arena in Pakistan or USA?

NP: Yes: I am open to this idea and I may as well consider one day entering politics either in Pakistan or USA.

TPPI: Why did you consider going for the Miss Pakistan Pageant and did you face any societal challenges entering this competition?
NP: These yearly competitions started in 2002 and have not been held in Pakistan because may be people do not have clear understanding of this competition.. Many people in our community think that Miss Pakistan competition is may be a beauty contest. No: Actually it is more than that. It involves showing ones leadership and knowledge in general issues facing the contemporary world. That is why the contestants' have to go through a rigorous multi-steps process, answering questions about current affairs to a nine member panel and making presentations on resolving various modern issues and much more.. Most of the questions asked at our Pageant involved the various conflicts across happening across the globe and India-Pakistan relations. Then the eventual winner has to pledge to work on several fixed number of Charity Events Internationally, which was my main motivating factor. If one wants to know more about it, they can contact Sonia Ahmed of Toronto Canada.

TPPI: Considering you were asked the question during the pageant, how do you see the relationship between India and Pakistan at present?
NP: Although the relationships between these two neighbors have always been tense, but recent exchange of visits by intellectuals and people of the entertainment industry have vastly improved the relations.

TPPI: What do you think are the pressing problems of Pakistan?
NP: There are many education and health issues lingering for too long in Pakistan. Then we have cross border tensions with Afghanistan, violence within the society, poverty, polluted water and environment and so on: There are so many issues needing immediate attention and resolution.

TPPI: Earlier you motioned that you used to visit Pakistan twice a year during holidays: That may not be possible for everyone: What will you suggest in that regard?
NP: True: Traveling every year may not be possible. Even if one does not travel very often, one can still organize things here in the US. Like for instance, I founded the Pakistan Student Association at UC Berkeley. Recently I have started a NGO called "Vision of Development" to implement basic educational and health programs for all and empowerment programs. I will not be re-inventing the wheel, but what I plan to do is work in collaboration with some bigger organizations.

TPPI: Do you have any Internship Programs within your Non-Profit "Vision of Development"?
NP: Yes: There is one exciting opportunity, where I have developed an "Alternative Break Program". It involves taking 50 to 70 high school and college students during vacations initially to the villages around Islamabad and Murree, so as to know there issues of the inhabitants and then to discover resources for them, so as to positively give back to the Pakistani Society.

TPPI: What will be your message to the Youth in our community?
NP: They need to strive and work hard to excel and do very good in whatever positive they do. They need to instill confidence in themselves, as they are all very talented. They should never forget their roots in Pakistan and living in this great country of USA, they should continue to strive to work for the betterment of both the American and Pakistani societies. Regular visits to Pakistan and watching the predicaments with their own eyes is something they should strongly consider. Just like I have this aspiration, every Youth should as well desire this. And that is when you will look back at your life in the future, you must have this satisfaction that Yes: You did make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Miss Pak’s inspiration? Sush!

Photo by Wali Portraits

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Fashion_Shows/Miss_Paks_inspiration_Sush/articleshow/3228430.cms

The current Miss Pakistan World, Natasha Paracha, is into crossovers. Yes, we mean the movies. And Bollywood. Filmmakers from this side of the border are quite keen to have Natasha work in their films, but “it’s too early to divulge their names,” says Natasha, because “talks are still on.” But that’s not her only career plan.

This New York-based lass works as a director of communication in the UN. And since she is in the States, she’ll be meeting the Bachchans when they go there for their Unforgettables Tour. “I’m really looking forward to meeting the whole family,” she says. But while Ash rates highly on her list, Sush is her favourite beauty queen. “I can identify with her and the work she’s doing. That she’s proving to be such a good mother to her adopted daughter is inspiring,” says Natasha. Becoming a beauty queen will give her a platform to show the world that Pakistani women have it in them to “become leaders and role models”, she says, while Bollywood will help achieve her “childhood dream”. “I’ve grown up watching Hindi films. In fact, that’s how I learnt to dance,” smiles Natasha, who remembers meeting Hrithik Roshan a few years earlier. “That was thrilling! I shook hands with him and was so happy for days together!”

Natasha says her parents are “very happy” with her decision. “But the roles I do must be substantial and interesting, like the one that Katrina Kaif did in Namastey London.” And she promises she’ll get rid of her Katrina-like accent. “I’m not worried about that because when I talk in my mother tongue, there’s no trace of it. My parents have made sure that we speak Urdu at home and not English,” she laughs.

“I’d be really happy if I can start with a good film that’s a joint venture between India and Pakistan,” she adds. But while “doing meaningful roles” is high on her list, Natasha’s taking her role as beauty queen seriously. She’ll soon be off to Pakistan for the “Plant a Village programme and to promote causes” close to her heart. “I’m also looking forward to meeting my grandparents there,” she enthuses.

Natasha Paracha from Islamabad

Photo by Wali Portraits

Natasha Paracha from Islamabad has been crowned the new Miss Pakistan World in an annual beauty pageant which, according to its founder, would enable Pakistani women "to stand up for change and progression" in a society that frowns on such events on its soil. The 23-year-old graduate from the University of California at Berkeley replaces Mahleej Sarkari who created quite a stir last month when she called Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf a hunk and expressed a desire to date him. At the sixth annual beauty pageant at the weekend in Toronto, the gorgeous Paracha beat a bevy of Pakistani beauties to win the crown. She will now represent Pakistan at various international beauty pageants. Paracha, who is currently living in New York, founded the Pakistani Student Association at UC Berkley and later a non-profit Vision of Development which works for the uplift of women in rural Pakistan. After her crowning, she said her goal over the next year is not only to represent Pakistan at beauty pageants but also raise awareness that 51 million Pakistanis do not have access to medical care. Tahira Iqbal from Lahore, Nosheen Idrees from Jhelum, Binish Zaidi from Karachi and Samera Bilal from Gujrat (in Pakistan) were declared runners-up at the event. The pageant brought young Pakistani women from around the world to compete for the crown, which many view as anti-Islamic and an insult to Muslim women. "Pakistan's slow changing movement to liberate its women forbids such events from taking place on its soil. Thus, women who want to stand up for change and progression have no choice but make a trip to Canada to compete," said pageant founder Sonia Ahmed. "Pakistani women have always been forced to stay in the background. They have never had the opportunities to have their voice heard and stand for what they believe in. It was only after living in Canada that I realised that women really do have the power to make a difference and make a change,". "We have made history with Pakistan's 1st Miss Bikini- Mariyah Moten, Pakistan's youngest Miss Pakistan- Sonya Zia and now Sehr Mahmood going to Miss Earth. Pakistani women are the most beautiful in the world, but since Pakistan is not discovered yet; more emphasis is laid on this issue."

'मिस पाकिस्तान वर्ल्ड' बनीं नताशा पारचा

Photo by Wali Portraits

इस्लामाबाद की नताशा पारचा ने यहां आयोजित एक सौंदर्य प्रतियोगिता में मिस पाकिस्तान वर्ल्ड का खिताब जीत लिया।कैलिफोर्निया विश्वविद्यालय से स्नातक की डिग्री प्राप्त कर चुकीं 23 वर्षीय नताशा, वर्तमान सुंदरी महलीज सरकारी ताज हासिल करेंगे, जिन्होंने पिछले महीने यह कहते हुए विवादों को जन्म दे दिया था कि वह पाकिस्तानी राष्ट्रपति परवेज मुशर्रफ के साथ डेट पर जाना चाहती हैं।पारचा ने यह ताज कई सुंदरियों को पछाड़ते हुए अपने नाम किया। इस सौंदर्य प्रतियोगिता को जीतने के बाद अब नताशा अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर की मिस वर्ल्ड प्रतियोगिता में हिस्सा ले लेंगी।खिताब अपने नाम करने के बाद नताशा ने कहा कि वह अगले एक साल तक न सिर्फ पाकिस्तान की सुंदरी के रूप में दुनिया भर में अपने देश का प्रतिनिधित्व करेंगी बल्कि 5.1 करोड़ ऐसे लोगों के लिए आवाज उठाएंगी जिन्हें चिकित्सा सुविधाएं नहीं मिल रही हैं।

Miss Pak-World founder wants to hold event on Pakistani soil Islamabad,

June 8 (PTI) The much-talked about Miss Pakistan World pageant may be frowned upon by conservative forces in the country but the event's spirited organiser says the day is not far when it will be held on Pakistani soil.
Having held six successful editions of Miss Pakistan World, Sonia Ahmed, the Toronto-based founder of the pageant, has set her eyes on holding the show in Pakistan.
"Yes, that is definitely the main goal. We have paved the way for it already, so why not have a Miss Pakistan on Pakistani soil?" Ahmed said in an interview to PTI.
"The great thing is that I have got a lot of support from people in Pakistan. They make long distance calls and always say that we are doing a great job for Pakistan and Pakistan's image. Our major sponsors are mostly from Pakistan."
The going may not be easy for Ahmed -- who moved from the port city of Karachi to Canada -- but she is confident of dealing with the "few bad seeds" in Pakistan the way she did in the past.
"No one has threatened us at all, but some people have sent emails saying negative things and trying to convert us to Islam. What I don't understand is that how can they convert born Muslims into Muslims? That I have yet to figure out," she said when asked if she or the participants in the pageants had ever been threatened.
The pageant was recently in the news when last year's winner of the Miss Pakistan World crown, Mahleej Sarkari, said she wanted to date President Pervez Musharraf. Her comments were criticised by conservative elements in the country.
Apart from conservative forces, Ahmed will have to deal with some sections of the local media that have been "making up stories". She said: "My aim with this pageant is bring out Pakistani women and make them bold and strong so that many other Pakistani women look up to them."
Ahmed is not cowed down by people who ridicule her efforts. "Whenever there is an extreme change introduced to people, some do ridicule it only because they are sadists. Our purpose of Miss Pakistan would die down if we did not have people who were opposing it. "We are very strong people and we want Pakistan to change and hence some of these people will have to come to terms with it," she said.
Interestingly, the participants are all well educated – a fact that is never highlighted by the local media. The first title winner, Zehra Sheerazi, is a corporate lawyer, her successor Batool Cheema is a forensic science student and Sehr Mahmood is studying business. The much-talked about Mahleej Sarkari is a business college graduate and the newly crowned beauty queen, Natasha Paracha, has studied politics and is a director of communications at the United Nations.
Some of the beauty queens also want to give a career in Bollywood a shot. Paracha told PTI, "I have been an avid Bollywood fan even before I could walk or talk. I am not only a fan for its role in entertainment, but also because the industry has done a lot for the people of the subcontinent in promoting cross-border friendships between India and Pakistan."
Sarkari too is hopeful of making a career in India's film industry. "Yes, India is a market that I will definitely try out. Whether I make it or not is something I cannot predict at the moment," she said.
Though Sarkari got pulled up by a local channel recently for "bringing a bad name" to Pakistan, she is willing to take the conservative forces head on. "The more they are conservative, the more people like myself will retaliate. We want our Pakistan to be free of all these conservatives, fundamentalists and extremists. When other Muslim countries like Turkey or Dubai can be modern, then why can't Pakistan?" she asked.
Asked if Pakistanis live with double standards, she said, "It is such a pity that they will never know the feeling of freedom. I am free wherever I go, whether it is Dubai or Canada...I proudly said that I love President Musharraf."
Paracha does not fear a backlash if she flaunts her new status as a beauty queen in Pakistan. She said, "This pageant provides an international platform for Pakistani women to illustrate their strength, ambition and good will efforts for our home country. Pageants are not about flaunting yourself alongside a dozen other girls, they are about representing your nation to an international audience and being a positive role model."
The articulate Paracha also said she compares well with Miss World and Miss Universe contestants and hopes that Pakistani women are able to represent their country at such top pageants. "Miss World or Miss Universe contestants not only need to be beautiful and intelligent, but also environmentally responsible, physically fit, politically aware, excellent public speakers and emotionally strong. I have all these qualities and look forward to representing Pakistan in Miss Earth 2008," she said.
"I hope one day in the near future, Pakistani women are able to compete alongside their regional neighbours in the Miss World or Miss Universe pageant." PTI RHL

Natasha Paracha has received several offers to act in Bollywood movies

Photo by Shawn Punch

NEW DELHI : Miss Pakistan 2008, Natasha Paracha has received several offers to act in Bollywood movies.

The 23-year-old beauty queen, Natasha has told that she is at present studying these offers and the scripts and soon will take a decision on them.

“I have received few offers from Bollywood. I want to look into them before taking a call,” she said.

Natasha, who lives in New York and works at United Nations with International Energy Renewable Organization, however, refused to divulge further details about the offers, because of confidentiality.

“Personally I want to do a movie, which deals with issues that are dear to my heart like womens rights and children,” Natasha said.

An avid fan of Bollywood movies, Natasha said she watches a lot and the recent super hit Om Shanti Om and Sarkar Raj are her latest additions to her favourites.

Of all the Bollywood stars, she admires Sushmita Sen a lot and wants to follow her footsteps.

“Sushmita Sen is not only a great actress but she has also been involved in raising awareness about the issues which are dear to my heart,” Natasha said.

“She (Sushmita) has adopted a child. She is definitely somebody whom I admire and follow,” Natasha said.

Using her celebrity status, she has been working in villages of Pakistan specially those of the Pak-occupied-Kashmir through a NGO called Vision of Development, which is run by her. “My goal is to work towards womens issue and children,” she said.

The Pakistani beauty queen

Photo by Shawn Punch


The Pakistani beauty queen, Natasha Paracha, who hails from Islamabad, has been adorned with the crown of Miss Pakistan World on the 23rd of May 2008. Paracha, 23, is a graduate from the University of California at Berkeley. Paracha stole the show and proved her talent. She outshone a bevy of Pakistani damsels and succeeded in adding the feather in her own cap. Now, the beauty queen will represent her country at various other international beauty events.

Presently, she is living in New York as well as works for the United Nations. Natasha Paracha, founded the Pakistani Student Association (PSA) at the University of California, Berkley. She has also opened a non-profit organization called 'Vision of Development', which works for the uplift of women in backward areas of Pakistan.

As soon as she was crowned, she elicited that in the coming year; she would represent Pakistan at beauty pageants and create awareness that nearly 51 million Pakistanis cannot avail medical facilities. Natasha is busy at the moment with media and interviews all around the world and will be focused on representing Pakistan at the Miss Earth pageant this year.

नताशा पराचा: पाक सुंदरी २००८

Photos by Mani

एलान हुवा है के नताशा पराचा को बॉलीवुड फिल्म्स के ऑफर मिले है. २३ वर्ष की नताशा पराचा ने कहा है के वोह बॉलीवुड फिल्म्स के ऑफर बारे मे सोच रही है. क्या नताशा पराचा बॉलीवुड में कदम रखेगी के नही, यह तो नही पता मगर पाकिस्तान की निगाह इस पाक सुंदरी पर ज़रूर है. देखना यह है के लोल्लीवूद पहले बदेगे या बॉलीवुड.

यह है नताशा पराचा मिस पाकिस्तान वर्ल्ड २००८ की तस्वीरें

नताशा परचा - मिस पाकिस्तान वर्ल्ड २००८

नताशा परचा - मिस पाकिस्तान वर्ल्ड २००८

Natasha Paracha is the 6th Miss Pakistan World to be crowned. On May 23, 2008 this long haired beauty was crowned to represent Pakistan on a world level and in international pageants.

Here are some of her pictures:

Pakistani beauty queen plans potable water for Afghans

NEW YORK (PAN): Miss Pakistan World 2008, Natasha Paracha, has initiated a move towards providing clean drinking water to the people of Afghanistan, especially women and children.

Natasha, 23, who lives in New York and works at the United Nations with the International Energy Renewable Organisation, told Pajhwok Afghan News the group had entered into a tie-up with a clean water company in Afghanistan.

"This company has a chemical which they put in the water and within 48 hours the water is drinkable," Natasha said, hoping the initiative would help provide safe drinking water to a large number of Afghans.

Natasha runs a non-profit organisation, Vision of Development, which works for the welfare of children and women in rural areas of her country. Planning to extend her work across the border, Natasha said Afghanistan needed a lot of help from the global community, particularly neighboring countries.

Saturday night, Natasha led a silent auction in Manhattan to raise money for charity work in Afghanistan. "My goal is to work towards women's issue and children," she observed.

Natasha is also working towards organising an Afghan pageant. "It is going to take some time as a lot of issues are involved. But it will provide a platform for Afghan women to stand up for what they believe should be the role model for their society," the beauty queen added.

Working at the United Nations - the hub of global political activities - Natasha has her own views on the current political situation in her country. She feels it is moving towards another military takeover soon.

"Pakistan right now is in a state of uprising. The political situation is very unstable. I think it is going to continue to be unstable until there is another radical change," she remarked. "I feel there is going to be another (military) takeover. Right now anything can happen."

All New Links for Natasha Paracha May 23 2008 - July 31 2008

1. http://www.pakspectator.com/profile-and-pictures-of-natasha-paracha/
2. http://wordpress.com/tag/natasha-paracha/
3. http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=135114
4. http://mazaqah.wordpress.com/2008/07/06/natasha-paracha-considering-offers-from-bollywood/
5. http://news.indiainfo.com/2008/06/04/0806041411_natasha_paracha_is_new_miss_pak_world.html
6. http://www.instablogs.com/natasha-paracha/
7. http://newshopper.sulekha.com/newsitem/2008/06/natasha-paracha-is-new-miss-pakistan-world.htm
8. http://www.southasianoutlook.com/issues/july_2008/interview_with_natasha_paracha_miss_pakistan_world_2008.html
9. http://teabreak.pk/profile-and-pictures-of-natasha-paracha-92/2864/
10. http://newsx.com/tag/natasha-paracha
11. http://pakspeaks.com/2008/07/02/miss-pakistan-goes-bollywood/
12. http://busypoint.blogspot.com/2008/06/natasha-paracha-into-bollywood.html
13. http://www.pakspectator.com/profile-and-pictures-of-natasha-paracha/?cp=2
14. http://www.thesouthasiantimes.com/node/260
15. http://www.southasianoutlook.com/issues/june_2008/natasha_paracha_wins_miss_pakistan_world_2008.html
16. http://updates.b4uindia.com/News/Natasha_Paracha_is_new_Miss_Pakistan_World/
17. http://www.asianclubguide.com/articles/article.asp?id=1006
18. http://www.pajhwok.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=57683
19. http://quqnoos.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1024
20. http://lifestyle.in.msn.com/fashion/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1429533
21. http://www.nowpublic.com/culture/miss-pakistan-goes-bollywood
22. http://www.opmb.com/?p=182
23. http://ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/gallerydetail.aspx?imgid=1966&img=1
24. http://thatshindi.oneindia.in/movies/bollywood/news/2008/06/02/movies-natasha-paracha-miss-pak.html
25. http://www.topix.com/pk/karachi/2008/06/islamabad-beauty-is-new-miss-pakistan-world
26. http://www.pajhwok.com/news.asp?lng=eng&cat=6
27. http://www.daily.pk/entertainment/entertainmentnews/71-entertainmentnews/5182-miss-pakistan-gets-bollywood-offers.html
28. http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?202723
29. http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080055002&ch=7/2/2008%2011:10:00%20AM
30. http://www.apakistannews.com/miss-pakistan-gets-bollywood-offers-72746

Miss Pakistan gets Bollywood offers- NDTV

Lalit K Jha

Monday, June 30, 2008 (New York)

Miss Pakistan World 2008, Natasha Paracha, has received several offers to act in Bollywood movies.The 23-year-old beauty queen told NDTV.com that she is at present studying these offers and scripts and soon take a decision on them. ''I have received few offers from Bollywood. I want to look into them before taking a call,'' she said.Natasha, who lives in New York and works at United Nations with International Energy Renewable Organisation, however, refused to divulge further details about the offers, because of confidentiality.''Personally I want to do a movie, which deals with issues that are dear to my heart women's rights and children,'' Natasha said.An avid fan of Bollywood movies, Natasha said she watches a lot and the recent super hit Om Shanti Om and Sarkar Raj are her latest additions to her favourites.

Of all the Bollywood stars, she admires Sushmita Sen a lot the former Miss World and wants to follow her footsteps.''Sushmita Sen is not only a great actress but she has also been involved in raising awareness about the issues which are dear to my heart,'' Natasha said. ''She (Sushmita) has adopted a child. She is definitely somebody whom I admire and follow,'' Natasha said. Using her celebrity status, she has been working in villages of Pakistan especially those of the Pak-occupied-Kashmir through NGO Vision of Development - run by her. ''My goal is to work towards women's issue and children,'' she said.Natasha argued that exchange of artists can act as a catalyst for peace between the two countries. ''I definitely believe that the entertainment industry can help in mitigating tension between India and Pakistan. There is need to allow Pakistani artists to go into India and work in Indian cinema as well as Indian entertainment industry and vice versa,'' she said.Working at the United Nations - the hub of global political activities - Natasha has her own views about the current political situation in her country. She feels that it is moving towards another military takeover soon.''Pakistan right now is in a state of uprising. The political situation is very unstable. I think it is going to continue to be unstable, until there is another radical change,'' she said.''I feel there is going to be another (military) take over. Right now anything can happen,'' Natasha said.

Natasha Paracha: Miss Pakistan World 2008"working towards issues facing our society"

Natasha Paracha, 23 years, a resident of New York, from Islamabad, Pakistan, was crowned 6th Miss World Pakistan 2008 on May 23 at an evening filled with great entertainment, elegance, glamour and style at the Versailles Convention Centre in Mississauga.

Natasha was born in Islamabad, Pakistan in 1984 and moved to the United States with her family.

The new Miss Pakistan World, Natasha Paracha, is an honours graduate from the University of California, Berkley and is currently living in New York City. Paracha founded both the Pakistani Student Association at UC Berkley as well as a non-profit organization NGO – Vision of Development. Her non-profit organization was founded after visiting villages in rural Pakistan and recognizing the need for basic resources and opportunities. Vision of Development works to implement basic educational programs as well as tools to empower women throughout rural Pakistan. Her goal over the next year is to represent Pakistan while bringing about awareness that in today’s climate, 51 million Pakistani’s do not have the adequate access to medical and urgent care.

Below are her answers to questions that Globalom Media's correspondent, Leena Chabra, asked her:

GM: When you were crowned Miss Pakistan World 2008 what was your first reaction and feeling? How do you feel now with the pageant over?
NP: I was very excited and overwhelmed. I am relieved that the pageant was successful, but now I want to focus on the year ahead with Miss Earth and other endeavours.

GM: How did you get involved with the pageant?

NP: I have always been very involved with the fashion industry in Los Angeles and New York. I saw Miss Pakistan World as the perfect opportunity to get involved internationally.

GM: Did you face any barriers that you had to overcome especially from family in entering the Miss Pakistan contest?

NP: My family, friends, and the community have been very supportive of my participation in Miss Pakistan World. It has actually opened new doors and opportunities for me.

GM: What are your goals and aspirations?

NP: I hope to become a leader and role model for young women in Pakistan and abroad. I want to be able to look back and know that I have made a difference.

GM: What advise do you have for other Pakistani girls who would like to enter the pageant but face challenges from family and society?

NP: I would advise young Pakistani girls to follow their dreams and be a leading example in every aspect of their life. If a person is strong in character and confident, limitations are obsolete.

GM: Given, the heavy influence of Bollywood in the Western countries, who would you say that you associate yourself with and why? Is there anyone that you idiolize?

NP: Indian cinema is one of the leading entertainment industries in the world. Each actor in the industry has their own style that they portray on and off the screen. I think individuality is what makes the industry so diverse and well recognized throughout the world. I also feel that individuality is what makes a person shine, therefore I feel it is important not to try to become or mimic someone else. I have always valued being my own person.

GM: Do you see the Pakistanis in Pakistan accepting and hosting Pageants in Pakistan?

NP: I feel that Pakistan is a thriving and open-minded culture. Hosting pageants such as Miss Pakistan will help the economy and tourism in or nation.

GM: How do you intend to use your title to the benefit of Pakistani women, in particular, and public, in general?

NP: I want to use this year as Miss Pakistan World to work towards issues facing our society today. I want to promote the issues of women's rights, education for all children, and development in rural areas of Pakistan. With the help of media in Pakistan and Internationally, I hope to make these problems public knowledge and gain popular interest in such issues.

GM: Living and studying in the U.S. do you consider yourself a true representation of a Pakistani girl in Pakistan?

NP: The United States is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and values. I am proud to say that even though I currently reside in the United States for my work with the United Nations, I am a born Pakistani. My goals here in the U.S. are to promote Pakistan on an international sphere as much as possible. I have been able to travel to Pakistan during the summer and winter months to work in the rural regions in Pakistan.

GM: Given the title of Miss Pakistan World 2008 where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

NP: As Miss Pakistan World, I hope to continue my ambassadorship in respects to Pakistan. I hope to build my foundation to a greater level- Vision of Development and provide sustainable housing and development in the villages of Pakistan.

Natasha Paracha is new Miss Pakistan World 2008

THE ANNUAL beauty pageant held in Islamabad this weekend, had a cool eye feasting for fashion lovers in Pakistan. The Pakistani beauty queen, Natasha Paracha, who hails from Islamabad, has been adorned with the crown of Miss Pakistan World.
The iconoclastic event will possibly strengthen Pakistani women. Iconoclastic, because, Pakistan is a country that strictly prohibits such display of a woman's body. It will enable them to accept gender-oriented challenges in a society.
Paracha, 23, is a graduate from the University of California at Berkeley. Before her, Mahleej Sarkari held the title of Miss Pakistan World. Last month, she had roused a ruckus by calling Pervez Musharraf a hunk and wishing to date him.
It was the sixth annual beauty pageant held in the country. Paracha stole the show as she flaunted herself and proved her talent. She outshone a bevy of Pakistani damsels and succeeded in adding the feather in her own cap. Now, the beauty queen will represent her country at various other international beauty events.
Presently, she is living in New York, where she founded the Pakistani Student Association (PSA) at the University of California, Berkley. She has also opened a non-profit organisation called 'Vision of Development', which works for the uplift of women in backward areas of Pakistan.
As soon as she was crowned, she elicited that in the coming year, she would represent Pakistan at beauty pageants and create awareness that nearly 51 million Pakistanis cannot avail medical facilities.
The runners up were, Tahira Iqbal from Lahore, Nosheen Idrees from Jhelum, Binish Zaidi from Karachi and Samera Bilal from Gujrat (in Pakistan).
Iqbal was awarded with Sherwood Miss Congeniality title; Zaidi, as Miss Smooth Skin and Miss Talent while Bilal, as Miss Perfect Ten, and Mehvish Sheikh from Lahore, was chosen Vimi Spa Miss Photogenic.
A large number of Pakistani beauties from across the world, thronged Islamabad and took part in the contest.
Sonia Ahmed, the pageant founder says, “Pakistan's slow changing movement to liberate
its women prohibits such an event. Women, who want to stand up for change and progression, have no choice but visit Canada or elsewhere to participate in such contests.
“Pakistani women have always been forced to be subservient. They are denied the opportunities to raise their voice against injustices. It was only after living in Canada that, I realised that women really do have the power to make a change in society.”
She added, “The event focuses on beauty, talent and cultural strength while allowing these young women to feel a part of the mainstream instead of being ostracised by the West.”