The countdown to the 75th Miss Universe pageant has officially begun, with contestants from across the globe finalizing their preparations for the prestigious competition. The event is set to take place on November 24, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Among the contenders is Pakistan’s representative, 26-year-old psychology student Misbah Arshad, who is bringing a powerful message of education and empowerment to the international stage.
A Rising Star for Pakistan
Misbah Arshad is no stranger to representing her country on global platforms. A model and content creator, she previously competed at Miss International 2023 in Japan. Following her crowning as Miss Universe Pakistan, the organization described her as a queen who embodies “grace, beauty, confidence, and purpose.” Her selection marks a significant moment for Pakistan as she prepares to compete against contestants from around the world.
Strengthening Team Asia
The Asian contingent is shaping up to be a formidable force at this year’s pageant. India recently crowned 19-year-old Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala as its representative at the Miss Universe India 2026 finale in Jaipur on August 23. Following the victory, Pakistani Pageants shared a collage featuring Miss Universe Thailand 2026 Tharina Botes, Misbah, and Kaziah, captioned “Team Asia: Getting Strong.”
Misbah extended her congratulations to her fellow queens, writing, “Last week, we witnessed three beautiful queens being crowned, making Team Asia stronger and more elegant.” She also shared the post on her Instagram Stories, highlighting the camaraderie among the contestants.
Advocating for Girls’ Education
Beyond the glamour of pageantry, Misbah has consistently used her platform to advocate for meaningful causes, particularly education for girls. In July 2026, she visited a school in Lahore, where she interacted with students and learned about initiatives focused on Pakistan’s development. Reflecting on the experience, she said it reinforced her belief that girls’ education is one of the most powerful investments in Pakistan’s future.
Her social media presence reflects a deep interest in fashion, beauty, travel, and diverse cultures. Her posts often feature destinations, local cuisine, and natural landscapes, offering followers a glimpse into her multifaceted personality.
A Symbolic Gown and a Resilient Mindset
Misbah’s crowning moment was marked by a white gown with profound symbolic meaning. She explained that white represented hope, while royal blue crystals symbolized education and knowledge gained through learning and personal growth. This thoughtful choice underscores her commitment to her advocacy work.
Her journey to the crown has not been without challenges, but Misbah maintains a resilient outlook. She believes that failure does not determine whether someone is a winner. Instead, she emphasizes that success comes from maintaining hope, continuing to work hard, and improving with every step.
As she prepares for the 75th Miss Universe pageant, Misbah Arshad will carry her message of education, empowerment, and personal growth to the international stage, representing Pakistan with pride in Puerto Rico this November.
