This Pakistani model is aiming for the Miss World title

Read all about rising model Diya Ali here

LAHORE: While most of us were too preoccupied with slaughtering goats at airports or wondering when Imran Khan will finally become prime minister, Pakistan won big at the recent Miss Asia Pacific International 2016 in the Philippines.

And by ‘big,’ we mean the much-coveted honour of Miss Perpetual.

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If you don’t know what that means, don’t worry. We don’t either. What we do know is that Diya Ali – the ever popular recipient of this prestigious title plans to represent our country at the next Miss World competition. She will also be making her big screen debut in a film being produced by one Sonia Ahmed.



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Lahore-resident Diya, an MBA in Finance, decided to try her hand at modelling out of sheer passion. “Popularity and self-promotion is not what I’m here for. That’s why I didn’t tell anyone when I won the Miss Perpetual title, even though I am the first Pakistani to do so and deserve the credit,” Ali told The Express Tribune. “Beauty pageants are great platforms for women,” she said.

According to the model, there were 14 other contestants in the Miss Asia Pacific competition but she was the only one sans government support. “I must say that I’ve learned a lot from this experience. Even though I had no backing from my country, I went ahead, represented Pakistan and clinched a title,” she said. “The lessons I have learnt at Miss Asia Pacific will remain with me forever, especially on the Miss World platform,” Diya said.

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For the rising model, beauty is as beauty does. Education, confidence and planning are what make a model of today. “I believe these are qualities that make a model truly beautiful. For me, the most critical moment is when interview questions are thrown your way and you have to immediately respond to them.”

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Evidently, Diya is not just another pretty face. She seems well beyond her years. Now that she has made a mark at Miss Asia Pacific International 2016, Ali is gearing up to takeover the big screen.



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The film's shooting commences in Canada next month. “I have discussed the script with Sonia in great detail. Some other actors from Pakistan in addition to different countries are working on it as well. It’s great to have them in my first film," Diya revealed. She also aims to make a pit-stop at the Supermodel International Competition in Bulgaria soon.

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