Lahore: The year 2006 seems to be quite rewarding for Pakistan as far as the beauty pageants are concerned.
The country saw its first Miss Bikini win four prestigious titles in international beauty pageants. And now there is a new addition to the beauty pageant scene: the youngest ever Miss Pakistan is making history at the Miss University 2006 pageant.
Having won Miss University Pakistan 2006 title, Sonya Zia, who hails from Lahore, is now preparing to take part in more pageants representing Pakistan.
At 18, Sonya, a student of Law and Security, represented Pakistan from her university. Having fast tracked high school and receiving her high school diploma at 16, she took part in various fund raising events in the community to support several organisations.
Sonya has been quoted as saying: "I would like to project my Pakistani culture and represent my country around the world. Being Miss University Pakistan 2006 is a personal achievement which I cherish".
According to Sonia Ahmad, president of Miss Pakistan World, 2006 has been a rewarding year for Pakistan in terms of beauty pageants.
"We started with only one beauty pageant in 2003 and now we have sent our girls to four international pageants in total this year," she said.
