Batool Cheema - Miss Pakistan in China

Miss Pakistan World - Fighting Who?

Amidst the political turmoil happening in Pakistan these days, a set of optimistic Pakistani women have set forward to improving the image of their country - Pakistan. Ayesha Gilani, the current Miss Pakistan World 2009, made trips to China and Philippines to spread the good name of Pakistan. The country that has a beauty pageant set out of its own land, may from time to time acknowledge the fact that bikini adorned Pakistani girls are now part of a reality that most media critics and religious fanatics just shrug off, but nevertheless, just in the year 2009 reports of five international pageants proved successful.

One must wonder how beauty pageants change the image of Pakistanis worldwide, well for that Batool Cheema former Miss Pakistan World from the year 2004 declared, that just going to different countries and wearing the Pakistan sash brings a lot of attention. She also stated that people stopped her on the streets during public appearances and said that they could not believe Pakistan can be active in something like a beauty pageant.Coming back from Beijing, China and Berlin, Germany, Cheema is more than optimistic about going and representing Pakistan in other nations such as Poland and South Africa and is gearing up for the forthcoming events.

Why then this Pakistani pageant being held in Canada and attracting an array of Pakistani American, Pakistani Canadian or Pakistani European girls is in existence, when the nation as a whole is doing what its best in doing, ignoring till some outsider discovers them? Well, according to the President of Miss Pakistan World, Sonia Ahmed who basically prides herself in doing what no other Pakistani in or out of Pakistan could do, says that Pakistan is a bit slow in giving importance and don't have the capacity to understand the potential of their own people. Seven years have gone by and definitely, from the bikini factors to last year's controversy of how President Musharraf was considered extremely handsome by one ex- Miss Pakistan World. News headlines have been made thanks to the massive Indian Media. It is only then Pakistani media followed the Miss Pakistan World news, states Ahmed.

In Malaysia, where Pakistanis reside in great numbers, a recent Miss Pakistan World runner up, Naila Afzal, who is now the first Peshawari girl to make it to international pageants, representing Pakistan, said that she was overwhelmed with the response. Pakistanis love the fact that there is a Miss Pakistan existing, Afzal said, prancing around in her pretty red sash, which reads loud and clear, "Pakistan."

How optimistic can Pakistanis be? Since the Lollywood industry is not moving, and the music industry is relying on hits from neighboring countries, and where 7 years ago pageants literally did not exist for Pakistanis, how does it all look for Pakistani people? Well, if one looks at the pageant industry, even though its located out of Pakistan, one can say that maybe, just maybe there is something at least going steady, unlike any other entertainment related industry from Pakistan.

What exactly causes no love given to these young and beautiful girls who are bold and representing Pakistan? Well for that Sonia Ahmed, the lady who took a step to start this for her country fellow people, said that majority of Pakistani media has hard core feminists and religious fanatics in their media industry, who don't want to write about these issues without an angle of a bad situation or just simply how morally wrong these women can be. Stating that in the past the pageant was attacked by Amna Buttar, a known feminist and talk show hosts Nadia Khan and many no namers, just proves that.

Pakistani people want this and this is an industry that exists around the world and Pakistan has to be a part of it no matter what, is the statement Sonia Ahmed will stick by, no matter what may come her way - feminists or islamists. Surely proven for 7 straight years, no matter what the growing pains were from the pageant world for the company. So whether its Ayesha Gilani in Philippines, Batool Cheema in Germany, Naila Afzal in Malaysia or Sonia Ahmed in Canada, it is amazing to see that at least one industry has stayed steady for Pakistan.

Batool Cheema - Miss Pakistan 2004 Photoshoot in Toronto

Batool Cheema Former Miss Pakistan World 2004 represented Pakistan in Miss Friendship International 2009

Batool Cheema Former Miss Pakistan World 2004 represented Pakistan in Miss Friendship International 2009

Batool Cheema represented Pakistan in Miss Friendship International 2009

Batool Cheema represented Pakistan in Miss Friendship International 2009

Batool Cheema's message to the world and youth

Mumbai attacks: Miss Pakistan World 2004

My sympathy go to all those who suffered in the Mumbai attacks. I support the activation for peace between the 2 opposing religions, Hindus and Muslims. I speak out to Pakistan to come into agreement with India, to help catch the culprits who committed this crime so justice may be served. In this moment of adversity, it is very important that both governments work cooperatively. Let us hold hands and fight for the cause of justice, not war.

To all the young folks, I would like to suggest that opportunities are endless for all of you, be active and courageous, take a risk and make your dreams come true! Each person is, in certain respects, like all other persons, like some other persons, and like no other person. What makes you unique, is your prized asset; Nourish it with education, feed it knowledge and exercise those potentials, so that some day you will stand out of the crowd like none other and see yourself make a difference as a leader, (not a follower).

Batool Cheema's latest interview with Miss Pakistan World

Batool Cheema, you were crowned Miss Pakistan World when you were only 19 years old, that's quite a heavy title to carry at such an age. What were your experiences?
It was a unique experience, coupled with lots of fun. I met people who were inspiritional and made some very good friends.

You were Miss Pakistan World in 2004, how was it then and how is it now in 2009?
Well back then it was more time consuming because of all the assignments I had to do on an ongoing basis. I had a very busy & hectic schedule. Now, I finally had more time to sit back, relax and reflect on what I have learned from those experiences and plan for the future.

Are you still active in pageantry?
Not yet, I am studying at the moment. But hopefully I will get back, as Pakistan needs all the representation in the world, especially now!

Will you contribute to the pageant industry as you are still young?
If you ask me the same question 20 years from now, I will still be contributing to all those who contributed in my life and those who haven't. I won't ever grow old of my ways!

What is your advice to other Pakistani girls who want to enter into the Miss Pakistan World pageant?
If you are an outgoing female, who has an enriched personality and unique character, then you would make an ideal role model.

What do you forsee for Pakistan's Pageant Industry for the next 5 years, keeping in mind Pakistan has had only 6 years so far?
Hmmm...I don't know if it can get any better than it is now! But I know it will, as time makes everything better and perfect!

Would you want to work in Lollywood Film Industry?
Film industries are a field of work for the artistically inclined who enjoy expressing themselves via body language in front of the camera and in the public's eye; they become role models for many young folks, however they do not always make 'true' role models. Having succeeded this competition, is itself an acheivement symbolic of superficial success for me--so if I earned this title, then I must live to be a good role model and therefore I would rather invest my energy in a career where there is more service to humanity to make an everlasting positive impact on this world.

Have you been offered any roles yet?
Hehe...you wish!

Are you single? If so, what kind of men attract you?
I do not like men with wallets bigger than their hearts! Men who are respectful, and behave like gentleman are most admirable. I rate men by merit of character: the flawless the character, the more precious the diamond!

Are you planning to settle down soon?
Maybe !

Middle East Crisis, Pakistan-India Crisis, how would an ex- Miss Pakistan World solve something like that?
Well, first of all, I would have to start by cleaning up the corrupt government operations. Also, it is important to know whether our tax money and resources are being used to help CONSTRUCT the economy NOT invest in other activities! The role of the government in every nation is to serve their people. The least I can do is to advise all the people in these countries to develop other survival mechanisms in order for the country to survive.

Obama Election, whats your take on that!
Congratulations! Now that Obama is president, he has put himself into a position of responsibility and we will have to wait and see how well he uses his power, as the future unfolds.

Resignation of President Musharraf, any comments!
Mr. Musharraf, I hope you had fun in the "Line of Fire!"