Updated on Sunday, August 13, 2006, 00:00 IST

Beijing, Aug 13: For the first time, a Pakistani model is participating in an international beauty pageant overcoming the traditional barriers of the conservative Islamic nation.

Mariyah Moten (22) will be representing Pakistan at the "Miss Bikini of the Universe" pageant to be held in Beihai, a summer resort city in south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on August 28.

"It's the first time that Pakistan is participating in the bikini pageant, as we're an Islamic country," Moten was quoted as saying by 'China Daily' on Saturday.

"Now there's less reproach in Pakistan on women's participation in such beauty contests," she said.

"All my family support me and I'm excited to have the chance to participate in the event," she and other 47 participants paraded yesterday at the 'Great hall of the people' here.

The candidates, all aged between 18 and 25, paraded before the cameras representing their countries. India is not a participant.

The winner will be crowned "queen pearl" and will receive USD 5,000 in prize money; second and third place will earn the title "Miss Pearl," and will receive USD 3,000 and USD 2,000 respectively, according to the pageant's organising committee.

Bureau Report