Posted on 03/21/2005 8:41:48 AM PST by pissant
TORONTO -- Amid high security, the Miss Canada Pakistan pageant went off without a hitch in Toronto with a packed audience and a dozen nervous contestants -- defying detractors who claimed it dishonoured Islam. Thirteen women braved earlier religious protest as they took to the stage as contestants of the controversial beauty pageant Saturday night.
Surrounded by security, about 500 people showed up at a Toronto banquet hall to watch the Miss Canada Pakistan Pageant that was labelled "a revolution" by organizers.
"It's a great opportunity to get out there and speak on behalf of the Pakistani community," said contestant Sarvat Khan, 20.
"They call it a beauty pageant, but that doesn't make it wrong."
Organizer Sonia Ahmed said nothing -- including threats or hate mail from radicals -- would have prevented the third annual pageant from going ahead.
"We're trying to show strong, independent Pakistani women (who) will show their talents boldly in front of an audience," she said.
"Canada is a free country and we have the right to express ourselves freely."
Alysha Jamal, 17, of Toronto was crowned the winner.
CONTROVERSY
Ahmed said the contest has been surrounded by controversy in the Pakistani and Muslim communities with many opposing the show.
She said organizers received numerous letters saying the pageant goes against the beliefs of Islam.
She also said the controversy is not due to any religious concerns but rather because it threatens male dominance.
The pageant, which features women displaying only traditional wear, is not held in Pakistan.
The contestants gathered in prayer before they made their grand entrance. Crowds cheered loudly as each girl stepped forward.
"I think it (controversy) is pushing us to do even better," said Jamal.
"Religion is such a sensitive topic. Why bring it into the pageant?" she added.
"I'm not compromising my beliefs or morals by being a part of it."
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It dishonors Islam? Hate to tell you bud, but you can`t dishonor something that has no honor to begin with.
Sorry, I confused this with the Miss Pakistan Canada Contest.
"We're trying to show strong, independent Pakistani women (who) will show their bodily talents boldly in front of an audience," she said.
bingo. beats the burkhas.
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