Hyderabad: Heightened tensions between India and Pakistan have placed the Miss World event in a tight spot, with both the organising body and the Telangana government coming under heavy pressure to reassess safety logistics.
Officials said security protocols had been intensified for all international participants, with a strong focus on those arriving from sensitive regions. But internal assessments highlight a deeper concern: protecting strategic assets and ensuring public safety in Hyderabad now takes precedence. Sustaining full-scale security over a three-week beauty pageant, under such circumstances, is becoming increasingly unviable.
The state is reportedly awaiting further guidance from the central government before committing to the event’s continuation. According to sources familiar with internal discussions, organisers are considering the risks of proceeding amid global anxiety.
On Thursday, after the situation escalated, US President Donald Trump urged American citizens in Pakistan to relocate to secure zones. That message rippled through diplomatic channels. By evening, Miss World officials had begun seeking international feedback and holding ongoing discussions with the state government.
Telangana officials confirmed that 109 contestants had arrived by Thursday evening out of the 116 expected from across 116 countries. Key sponsors and international media teams were still en route, though some had adjusted plans to arrive mid-event. With several commercial flights cancelled or diverted, the uncertainty around global travel routes is expected to impact the event’s schedule and attendance.
Much of the planned programming is outdoors. After the opening ceremony on 10 May, contestants were to begin a statewide tour from 12 May, covering destinations like Buddhavanam at Nagarjunasagar, Charminar and Laad Bazaar in Hyderabad, the Thousand Pillar Temple and Ramappa Temple in Warangal, Yadagirigutta, Pochampally, and Mahbubnagar.
Providing airtight security for high-profile international visitors across these open locations is now seen as an operational nightmare.
