Sonia Ahmed
{{short description|Founder of Miss Pakistan and Film Director (born 1980)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Sonia Ahmed
| image = Sonia Ahmed.jpg
| image_upright = .45
| caption =
| native_name = {{Nastaliq|سونیا احمد}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1980|08|23}}
| birth_place = Sharq, Kuwait
| citizenship = {{plainlist|
}}
| alma_mater = University of Ottawa (BBA)
| occupation = {{hlist|Director|Producer|Writer}}
| title = {{indented plainlist|
- Founder of Pakistan's Pageant Industry
- National Director Miss Pakistan World, Miss Pakistan Universal, Miss Earth Pakistan, Miss Grand Pakistan, Miss Trans Pakistan,Mrs. Pakistan World}}
| years_active = 2000–present
| parents =
| website = {{URL|soniaahmedofficial.com}}
}}
Sonia Ahmed (Urdu: سونیا احمد) (born 23 August 1980) as Sonia Iqbal Ahmed, is a Kuwait-born{{cite web | url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/495137-former-beauty-queens-encourage-young-girls-to-join-pageants | title=Former beauty queens encourage young girls to join pageants }} Canadian Pakistani and founder of Miss Canada Pakistan Inc., now known as Miss Pakistan World,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/nyregion/19bigcity.html|title=Pakistan May Not Be Ready For Its Beauty Queen|newspaper=The New York Times|date=19 December 2008 |accessdate=15 November 2014 |last1=Dominus |first1=Susan }}{{cite web|url=http://www.diversitywatch.ryerson.ca/media/cache/pakistanipageant_star_mar14.htm|title=DIVERSITY WATCH - Media - 2003 Archive|publisher=Diversitywatch.ryerson.ca|access-date=15 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606012613/http://www.diversitywatch.ryerson.ca/media/cache/pakistanipageant_star_mar14.htm|archive-date=6 June 2011}} Mr. Pakistan World{{Cite web|date=2021-03-29|title=The newly appointed Mr. Pakistan World 2021 is Syed Shah|url=http://www.itssouthasian.com/the-newly-appointed-mr-pakistan-world-2021-is-syed-shah/|access-date=2021-12-22|website=Its South Asian|language=en-US}} and Mrs. Pakistan World{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2010/01/14/porter_this_beauty_queen_has_brains_and_bite.html|title=Porter: This beauty queen has brains and bite| website=Toronto Star |date=14 January 2010}} that were first held in 2002 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
She established the Miss Pakistan pageant on the soil of Pakistan{{cite web | url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/blog/sonia-ahmeds-vision-elevates-miss-pakistan-t-1748339.html?fbclid=IwAR0M2ZwPY15t_XvIO_iSyH8Ic4feKjf-hlC87mXIC3QFAe2krWb5eF9T5GA | title=Sonia Ahmeds Vision Elevates Miss Pakistan to Global Prominence }} in 2020{{cite web | url=https://gnnhd.tv/news/25140/sonia-ahmed-a-leading-light-in-pakistans-entertainment-industry-beyond | title=Sonia Ahmed: A leading light in Pakistan's entertainment industry, beyond | date=10 September 2023 }} and crowned the first girl in Pakistan and in 2021, she established the Miss Trans Pakistan{{Cite web|date=2021-06-15|title=Is change really in the air for Pakistan's transgender community? {{!}} Opinion|url=https://www.newsweek.com/change-really-air-pakistans-transgender-community-opinion-1600557|access-date=2021-12-22|website=Newsweek|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=NewsDesk|date=2021-05-24|title=Shyraa Roy Crowned Miss Trans Pakistan 2021|url=https://www.oyeyeah.com/celebrity/shyraa-roy-crowned-miss-trans-pakistan-2021/|access-date=2021-12-22|website=Oyeyeah|language=en-US}} pageant. Since 2020, the pageant is held in Lahore, Pakistan.
Biography
Sonia Ahmed was born in Kuwait to Arain{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyparliamenttimes.com/2021/06/22/sonia-ahmed-our-real-hero/|title=Sonia Ahmed: Our Real Hero - Daily Parliament Times|first=Parliament|last=Times|website=www.dailyparliamenttimes.com|date=22 June 2021 }} Punjabi father from Lahore, Punjab and mother is from Karachi, Sindh. She spent her childhood in Kuwait and did her high school and university in Ottawa, Ontario. She graduated from the University of Ottawa. Ahmed is a certified accountant.{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pakistani-beauty-pageant-aims-to-celebrate-womanhood/884115/|title=Pakistani beauty pageant aims to celebrate womanhood|date=5 December 2011|publisher=Indianexpress.com|accessdate=15 November 2014}} She views herself as a patriot and progressive{{cite web | url=https://beautypageants.in/Everything-you-need-to-know-about-Miss-Pakistan-World/eventshow/58239378.cms | title=Everything you need to know about Miss Pakistan World }} Pakistani working to liberate Pakistani women by opening different avenues{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1083762-pakistani-beauty-pageant-winners-call-for-young-girls-participation-to-improve-pakistans-soft-image | title=Beauty pageant winners call for young girls' role to improve Pakistan's soft image }} and showcase the beauty and talent of the new Pakistani generation.{{cite web|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/inside.asp?xfile=/data/citytimes/2009/August/citytimes_August240.xml§ion=citytimes|title=Celeb talk: The world at her fingertips|publisher=Khaleejtimes.com\Accessdate=15 November 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/127030/miss-pakistan-world/|title=Miss Pakistan World|date=3 March 2011|publisher=Tribune.com.pk|accessdate=15 November 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.zeenews.com/news642066.html|title=Pak beauty pageant organiser sick of hypocrite Pakistanis|work=Zee News|date=19 July 2010|accessdate=15 November 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/feb/180209-Pakistani-beauty-queen-opposes-deal-on-Shariah-law.htm|title=Pakistani beauty queen opposes deal on Shariah law|publisher=Mid-day.com|accessdate=15 November 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.theasiantoday.com/article.aspx?articleId=176|title=Crowning glory for 'Miss Pakistan' beauty pageants|publisher=Theasaintoday.com|access-date=15 November 2014|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129041140/http://www.theasiantoday.com/article.aspx?articleId=176|archive-date=29 November 2014}} She is known to create the pageant industry of Pakistan through Miss Pakistan World, Mrs. Pakistan, Miss Earth Pakistan, Miss Grand Pakistan, Miss Pakistan Universal,{{cite web | url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/showbiz/miss-pakistan-universal-a-fresh-chapter-in-p-1750241.html | title=Miss Pakistan Universal: A Fresh Chapter in Pakistans Pageant World }}{{cite web | url=https://gnnhd.tv/news/25582/miss-pakistan-universal-paving-the-way-for-pakistans-pageantry | title=Miss Pakistan Universal: Paving the Way for Pakistan's Pageantry | date=18 September 2023 }} Ms. Pakistan, Mr. Pakistan and Miss Trans Pakistan events.
Career
=Pakistan's pageant industry=
In 2002,{{Cite web|url=https://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2006/12/06/crowning-glory-for-miss-pakistan-beauty-pageants/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331225313/http://www.theasiantoday.com/index.php/2006/12/06/crowning-glory-for-miss-pakistan-beauty-pageants/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=March 31, 2016|title = Crowning glory for 'Miss Pakistan' beauty pageants - Features, Sports|date = 6 December 2006}}{{Cite web|title=Miss Pakistan Sonia Ahmed|date=31 March 2009 |url=https://www.oyetimes.com/lifestyle/community/930-miss-paksitan-sonia-ahmed|access-date=2021-12-22}} Ahmed{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111205/ttlife1.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle|website=www.tribuneindia.com}} created a beauty pageant called Miss Canada Pakistan and changed its name to Miss Pakistan World in 2006.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/pakistani-beauty-pageant-aims-to-celebrate-womanhood/|title=Pakistani beauty pageant aims to 'celebrate womanhood'|date=5 December 2011}}{{Cite web|url=https://bollyspice.com/miss-pakistan-world-is-a-step-towards-showing-a-different-pakistan-sonia-ahmed/|title="Miss Pakistan World is a step towards showing a different Pakistan" – Sonia Ahmed|date=25 March 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_pakistani-canadian-kills-daughter-over-hijab_1138800|title=Pakistani Canadian kills daughter over hijab|work=dna|accessdate=15 November 2014}}[http://www.dailymailnews.com/0908/20/ShowBiz/ShowBiz1.php] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091209190509/http://www.dailymailnews.com/0908/20/ShowBiz/ShowBiz1.php|date=December 9, 2009}} She created Mrs. Pakistan World in 2007, for married women of Pakistani descent.[http://finance.alphatrade.com/story/2013-02-14/CNW/201302141718CANADANWCANADAPR_C5856.html] {{dead link|date=November 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1114989/pakistan-gets-its-mrs-pakistan-world-2013-farah-mahmood|title=Farah mahmood - Pakistan gets its Mrs. Pakistan World 2013 - Farah Mahmood|publisher=Newswire.ca|accessdate=15 November 2014|archive-date=26 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126050214/http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1114989/pakistan-gets-its-mrs-pakistan-world-2013-farah-mahmood|url-status=dead}} She created Mr. Pakistan World in 2011, and moved the event to New Jersey, USA in 2014.{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1572317/4-pakistan-shines-mr-ocean-2017/|title=Pakistan shines in Mr Ocean 2017|date=30 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.my9nj.com/story/26474107/2014-miss-pakistan-world-pageant-coming-to-edison |access-date=October 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010080437/http://www.my9nj.com/story/26474107/2014-miss-pakistan-world-pageant-coming-to-edison |archive-date=October 10, 2014 |title=2014 Miss Pakistan World Pageant coming to Edison}} From 2002-2019{{cite web | url=https://www.nation.com.pk/17-May-2023/dr-shafaq-akhtar-a-new-face-for-pakistan-s-representation-in-pageants | title=Dr Shafaq Akhtar – A new face for Pakistan's representation in pageants | date=17 May 2023 }} the Miss Pakistan pageant was held in Toronto, Ontario.
Ahmed has sent contestants to pageants like Miss Grand International, Miss Earth, Miss International, Miss Supranational and many mid level and minor competitions around the world. Her participation as the National Director of Pakistan created the pageant industry for Pakistan through Miss Pakistan World, Miss Pakistan Universal, Miss Grand Pakistan, Mrs. Pakistan World, Miss Earth Pakistan and Miss Trans Pakistan.
During Covid, the pageant was virtually brought in Lahore, Pakistan and since then has been held in Pakistan. In 2020, Ahmed, brought the pageant to Lahore, Pakistan where the first Miss Pakistan World was crowned on the soil of Pakistan, Areej Chaudhary. Since 2020, the pageant is held in Lahore, Pakistan.
Another history was made in Lahore, Pakistan on May 25, 2021. Ahmed created the first Miss Trans{{Cite web|url=https://dailyoutcome.pk/sialkot-born-singer-actress-shyraa-becomes-first-miss-trans-pakistan/|title=Sialkot Born Singer Actress Shyraa Becomes First Miss Trans Pakistan | Daily Outcome| date=24 May 2021 }} Pakistan{{Cite web|url=https://en.baaghitv.com/model-and-singer-shyraa-roy-selected-as-pakistans-first-miss-trans-beauty-queen/|title = Model and singer Shyraa Roy selected as Pakistan's first Miss Trans Beauty Queen|date = 26 May 2021}} for trans women{{Cite web | url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1189978/becoming-miss-trans-pakistan-turned-shyraa-roys-life-around-and-she-wants-the-same-for-her-community | title=Becoming Miss Trans Pakistan turned Shyraa Roy's life around and she wants the same for her community | date=23 April 2022 }} of Pakistani{{Cite web|url=http://www.itssouthasian.com/shyraa-roy-miss-trans-pakistan-2021/|title = Shyraa Roy, Miss Trans Pakistan 2021|date = 22 May 2021}} descent and the first trans girl to be crowned was Shyraa Roy. On 31st, January 2022, the Mr. and Miss Pakistan{{cite web | url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1071369-dr-shafaq-to-feature-in-egypt-pageant-event | title=Dr Shafaq to feature in Egypt pageant event }} ceremoney was held in Lahore,{{cite web | url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2341611/miss-pakistan-universal-mr-pakistan-global-crowned-in-lahore | title=Miss Pakistan Universal, Mr Pakistan Global crowned in Lahore | date=2 February 2022 }} Pakistan and 6 winners were crowned. On May 31, 2023{{cite web | url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2421264/diverse-events-attract-lahores-citizens | title=Diverse events attract Lahore's citizens | date=12 June 2023 }} along with the other winners,{{cite web | url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/492275-doctor-turned-model-kapotaqkhy-chanchala-becomes-miss-pakistan-world | title=Doctor-turned-model Kapotaqkhy Chanchala becomes Miss Pakistan Universal }} the second Miss Trans Pakistan was crowned, Alina Khan.{{cite web | url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2419910/night-to-remember-joylands-alina-khan-crowned-miss-trans-pakistan-2023 | title=Joyland's Alina Khan crowned Miss Trans Pakistan 2023 | date=2 June 2023 }} This was the fourth Miss Pakistan event organized by Ahmed on the soil of Pakistan.
On the 31st of May 2024,{{cite web | url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/showbiz/miss-pakistan-holds-inaugural-crowning-ceremo-1831015.html | title=Miss Pakistan Holds Inaugural Crowning Ceremony in Lahore }} Ahmed went to Lahore,{{cite web | url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469659/lahore-celebrates-beauty-and-talent-pageant | title=Lahore celebrates beauty and talent pageant | date=4 June 2024 }} Pakistan and completed the 5th event on the soil of Pakistan.{{cite web | url=https://pakobserver.net/miss-pakistan-organizes-inaugural-crowning-ceremony-in-lahore/ | title=Miss Pakistan organizes inaugural crowning ceremony in Lahore | date=June 2024 }}
=Entering film work=
In 2014, Ahmed filmed her first documentary, "I Shall Dance,{{Cite web |url=http://enewspak.com/i-shall-dance-a-film-by-sonia-ahmed/ |title = I Shall Dance – A film by Sonia Ahmed |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140707112313/http://enewspak.com/i-shall-dance-a-film-by-sonia-ahmed/ |archive-date=7 July 2014 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3776294|title=I Shall Dance (2014)|work=IMDb|accessdate=15 November 2014}}" under her production company, Touchgate Global Inc., which was released in September 2014{{Update after|2015|2|6}} in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.{{cite web|url=http://enewspak.com/i-shall-dance-a-documentary-on-dance-in-the-islamic-republic-of-pakistan/ |access-date=July 7, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714213723/http://enewspak.com/i-shall-dance-a-documentary-on-dance-in-the-islamic-republic-of-pakistan/ |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |title=I Shall Dance: A documentary on dance in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan}}
Filmography
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |
| scope="col" rowspan="2"|Year
! rowspan="2" scope="col"|Film ! scope="col" colspan="3"|Credited as ! scope="col" rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Notes ! scope="col" rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | {{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| width="65"| Director
! width="65"| Writer ! width="65"| Producer |
| 2014
|{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} | Selected at the YellowKnife Film Festival |
| 2024
| Pakistan's Minority Queen{{cite web | url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/showbiz/dr-shafaq-akhtar-a-global-ambassador-of-pak-1749142.html | title=Dr. Shafaq Akhtar: A Global Ambassador of Pakistans Beauty and Inspiration }}{{cite news | url=https://gnnhd.tv/news/25320/im-committed-to-showcase-pakistan-on-global-stage-says-dr-shafaq-akhtar | title='I'm committed to showcase Pakistan on global stage,' says Dr. Shafaq Akhtar | newspaper=GNN - Pakistan's Largest News Portal | date=13 September 2023 }} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} | Short |
| 2024
| Multan's |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{Yes}} | Documentary/ Filming | Short |
Controversies
Ahmed faced opposition{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/incoming/beauty-and-belief-a-balancing-act/article4300514/|title=Beauty and belief: a balancing act|newspaper=The Globe and Mail| date=8 April 2006 | last1=Bh | first1=Aparita }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2010/08/19/pakistani_beauty_pageant_to_go_ahead.html|title = Pakistani beauty pageant to go ahead| newspaper=The Toronto Star |date = 19 August 2010}} on her holding the pageant from some conservative sections of the community. However the opposition soon ended.{{Cite web |date=2006-04-07 |title=Belly dancing at Miss Pakistan contest |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/belly-dancing-at-miss-pakistan-contest/story-akl67AR7g1fScAPoaCwFlJ.html |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111205/ttlife1.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle|website=www.tribuneindia.com|access-date=2020-04-23}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.diversitywatch.ryerson.ca/media/cache/pakistanipageant_star_mar14.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606012613/http://www.diversitywatch.ryerson.ca/media/cache/pakistanipageant_star_mar14.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-06-06|title=DIVERSITY WATCH {{!}} Media {{!}} 2003 Archive|date=2011-06-06|access-date=2020-04-23}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.theasiantoday.com/article.aspx?articleId=176|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129041140/http://www.theasiantoday.com/article.aspx?articleId=176|url-status=usurped|archive-date=2014-11-29|title=Crowning glory for 'Miss Pakistan' beauty pageants - Features - The Asian Today Online|date=2014-11-29|access-date=2020-04-23}} In August 2010, Ahmed was criticized for going ahead with the 8th annual Miss Pakistan World during the month of Ramadan and while Pakistan faced a humanitarian crisis{{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/organizers-criticized-for-running-pakistani-pageant-in-wake-of-flood-disaster/article1377723/|title=Organizers criticized for running Pakistani pageant in wake of flood disaster|newspaper=The Globe and Mail| date=19 August 2010 | last1=Allen | first1=Kate }} due to widespread flooding.{{Cite news|last=Waheed|first=Alia|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/19/pakistan-anger-beauty-contest-floods|title=Miss Pakistan World pageant's timing causes dismay|date=2010-08-19|work=The Guardian|access-date=2020-04-23|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}
See also
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|6381973}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20120108123950/http://video.in.msn.com/watch/video/miss-pak-world-prez-backs-veena/fdh5k7pk ANI Interview]
- [http://www.soniaahmedofficial.com/ Official Sonia Ahmed Site]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20110606012613/http://www.diversitywatch.ryerson.ca/media/cache/pakistanipageant_star_mar14.htm Toronto Star Article ]
- [https://misspakistanworld.com/ Miss Pakistan World Website]
- [https://mrpakistanofficial.com/ Mr. Pakistan World Website]
- [https://mrspakistan.com/ Mrs. Pakistan Website]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ahmed, Sonia}}
Category:Businesspeople from Karachi
Category:Businesspeople from Ottawa
Category:Businesspeople from Toronto
Category:Canadian businesspeople of Pakistani descent
Category:Canadian people of Pakistani descent
Category:Canadian people of Punjabi descent
Category:Pakistani expatriates in Kuwait
Category:Pakistani Sunni Muslims
Category:21st-century Pakistani women
Category:People of Punjabi descent
Category:University of Ottawa alumni
Category:21st-century Pakistani people
Category:21st-century Canadian businesspeople
Category:21st-century Canadian businesswomen
Category:Businesspeople from Lahore