Chicago- Dulhania Bazaar Feb 2009

Miss Pakistan World Representing New Generation Of Women

Natasha Paracha is both smart and stunning with a good head on her shoulders, as they say.The 24-year-old raven-haired beauty has been enjoying her reign as Miss Pakistan World 2008.We got to learn more about the Islamabad-born pageant winner on a recent Good Morning America segment. She is living in New York City and working for the United Nations. And she was gracious to let us interview her about her favorite beauty tips and dreams for her Pakistani countrywomen.

"I work for IREO, which is a renewable energy organization at the United Nations. I hope to continue to promote the use of alternative energies throughout the globe."Natasha Paracha, is an ambassador for the new generation of Pakistani women."Participating in Miss Pakistan World has opened many doors for me. This pageant has provided me with a platform to be an ambassador for my country and represent Pakistan at an international level. I am honored and humbled with my new role.

"Life in Pakistan can be quite a challenge for girls growing up with dreams and goals, because of conservative Islamic views. There is still much work to be done for Muslim women to achieve as equal a footing as men.

The Miss Pakistan World pageants are actually held in Toronto, Canada. Women like Natasha Paracha and founder of the Miss Pakistan World Beauty Pageant, Sonia Ahmed, are courageous and anxious for opportunities to spread their wings. They are representing the next generation of modern Pakistani women, trying to create a new role for Muslim women in society.

"My family has a long standing history in Pakistan; it is where we have basically spent our childhood. Also, all of my extended family lives in the Lahore or Islamabad. I want young Pakistani women to know that they can succeed in any facet of life that they choose. I don't want to be cliché, but the world is your oyster and our time is now to take advantage of that.

"In the meantime, like many of us, Miss Pakistan World 2008, enjoys wearing makeup and living a healthy lifestyle. Although she has makeup artists for special events, Natasha usually applies her own cosmetics. And let's be honest here, when it comes to lining eyes perfectly, South Asian women have the upper hand.

"I only started wearing make-up recently. If you are in a rush, there are really only two things that one needs: mascara and eyeliner. My go to products are the Dior Black Out Mascara and Mac Eyeliner."

Natasha also adores brightening her lips with these popular brands."I am a lip-gloss fanatic. I'm actually in the process of starting my own lip-gloss with a few of my friends. My favorite brands right now would be Nars and Dior Addict."

As far as her crowning glory, that long, shiny dark hair, Miss Pakistan World 2008 doesn't get caught up in the chemical processes of coloring or perming."My hair kind of has a mind of its own. During the winters it becomes stick straight and during the summers it's wavy. I try not to use any products in my hair, but if I'm going for a certain look I stick to organic hair products. Coming from a Pakistani background, I think we have some very unique homemade beauty treatments. When I was younger, my mom would put coconut oil and eggs in my hair. It was classic, I have not done that in a while though. I think the secret is just avoiding too many chemicals or products, just keep it simple."

Natasha is proud of her Pakistani roots and her exotic features, and would hope that women everywhere, both young and older, could learn to love how they look. The world is a big place, and there is plenty of room for every set of features.

"I think every woman should feel comfortable in their own skin. And it's wonderful to be unique. Even in Pakistan, we have all kinds of looks: light eyes, dark eyes, blonde hair, brunettes and many unique looks. Since you are a Greek yourself, you must have heard of the Kalash people of Pakistan, who are Greek. So Pakistan is like the melting pot of many looks as we are surrounded by many countries."

In closing, Miss Pakistan World 2008 had this advice for her Pakistani sisters:

"Pakistani women have come a long way and the Miss Pakistan World pageant is a platform for the new generation of Pakistani women to represent themselves. My message to those women would be to take that chance and avail the opportunity. Thank you.

"For more information, visit: http://www.misspakistanworld.com/.
Posted by J. Tania Stylianos at 11:37 AM 2 comments