A Pakistani-origin woman in Toronto is representing her native country at an international pageant in Hangzhou, China, on July 2.

Naomi Zaman, who was Miss Canada Pakistan 2005’s Miss Talent, is participating in Miss Tourism Queen International 2005 (MTQI). The event will have contestants from countries including Australia, England, Peru, South Africa and Italy.

This is the first time Pakistan is represented in an international pageant, said Sonia Ahmed, president of the Canadian pageant.

“We are proud to see Pakistan finally with 70 other countries,” Ahmed said.

India is represented by 21-year-old Neha Oberoi of Delhi. Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore are represented at the pageant. Afghanistan-born Vida Samadzai is representing America at MTQI this year.

Zaman has replaced Alysha Jamal, reigning Miss Canada Pakistan, who skipped the competition due to her school schedule coming in the way of the pageant.