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Story of a Magsi tribe ‘mother’By Sadaf Zarrar
They met years ago in London and while she probably knew all there was to know about him, there was so much she didn’t know. She knew he loved her and that they were meant to be but what she discovered later was the responsibility he carried on his shoulders, the responsibility of 900,000 people of the Magsi tribe.
After their marriage Areeba of all but 24 years of age became ‘Ayi’ or mother to the tribe. A title she happily accepted as she became wife to Saifullah Magsi, the eldest son of Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi, the inheritor of the Magsi tribe. This came with a lot of respect and freedom. Where all the women had to do purdah, as the spiritual mother of the tribe could roam about freely amongst the people – her people. It was then she realised what her role truly was... In addition to being a loving wife, Areeba works hand in hand with her husband for the betterment of the tribe.
The first time she went to Jhal Magsi Areeba admits, “I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t even know who the Baloch were and what they stood for!” Her first visit was truly eye opening… Starting with the lovely story of how Jhal Magsi, a small village on the eastern border of Balochistan, came around to being called Jhal Magsi to what her future role was to be.
As the story goes, the nomadic tribe of Magsi was wandering when they came near Mula River. It is then the chief called out to his tribe ‘Jhal Magsi’ which literally means ‘stop Magsi tribe’. Today the Magsis are still nomads moving to Balochistan in rainy season and falling back in case of drought, but like any other tribe, they have deep-rooted cultural traditions which they take pride in.
As a normal bahu is given a round of the house when she comes, Areeba was given a round of all the philanthropic work the family had undertaken in that area, starting with the eye camp the family had started in collaboration with Al-Ibrahim trust and care and kindness society to cure people with eye diseases. On the way her mother-in-law explained that periodically they convert a small local hospital into an eye camp by bringing specialists and doctors who perform over 200 cataract surgeries and cure patients with various eye conditions. Half of the cost of this facility which includes boarding and lodging of patients from far flung areas is borne by the Nawab himself.
Upon arrival, they met with a crowd of men and women waiting for their turn to get into the building. “I walked behind my mother in law to the consultant’s office who she introduced as her cousin Dr Azad Nosherwani,” Areeba recalls. “He welcomed us to the hospital and took us for a round... I was amazed at the work being done and asked the doctor if the women were comfortable being treated by men.” Areeba found out that it had been a slow process in building acceptance and the clinic had started years ago initially treating the men of Dera Bugti. Slowly the women started coming and now men and women were treated at the hospital at separate times. Areeba was also given a round of the operation theatre and the ward.
“I was amazed to hear the story of a man who had died after he had his eye surgery because he was so excited at getting his vision for the first time in his life. I had never really thought of vision as a gift before.” Since then Areeba has returned every year for the three-day eye camp which has progressively grown over the years and now over 600 surgeries and 600 ailments are cured in a short span of 3 days.
In an area where people have been struggling with basic hygiene and health, education is a distant thought. “Saifullah has taken this in his hands too,” Areeba beams with pride as she tells us. Nawab Saifullah Magsi is the Patron in Chief of Saif Model School where her Mother in Law is a Chairman and Areeba herself now a Director. The school is till 6th grade and open to anyone who can afford a tuition fee of 600 rupees but despite this the family has taken it upon themselves to sponsor students who cannot afford this even in order to ensure that education is accessible to the people of the area.
Ever since her first visit Areeba says she had noticed a distinct Hindu population in the area which is almost unheard of in other parts of Pakistan. In the Baloch tribal system the minority community is protected by the sardar. They are progressive, educated and hardworking community and work as traders and accountants. In Jhal Magsi Areeba found out they freely practice their festivals and religion and we join them to promote the value of acceptance of minorities. The senior or wealthy Hindus are regarded with respect and called seth. It is a peaceful co-existence.
Last month Areeba had the honour of visiting one of the newly refurbished temples in Jhal Magsi town. Accompanied by the local head mukhi and several others including Chandu Mal a very old companion and friend of the family. Being over 70 years old and he has a lot to tell about the times of my Saif’s grandfather. At the time he was mainly responsible for accounting agriculture in some parts of the district. Now, he says “It is all easy, back in the day it was a tough job but I enjoyed it”.
Areeba finds it is sad that Islam, the religion of peace that is often extremely misinterpreted. “The Holy Prophet (PBUH) lived in peaceful co-existence with the Jews until they breached a contract. There are instances of Holy Prophet (PBUH) sharing food with them. Unfortunately, our society has become more and more intolerant by the day. I am always treated to delicious homemade samosas, jalibis, hibiscus root pakoras and crackers when I go to Jhal Magsi. I always look forward to going back and having a chat with these wonderful hospitable people while enjoying their homemade goodies.”
Areeba’s journey’s to Balochistan gives us a lot to think about. How a city girl and her perceptions were changed simply by meeting the people and while Areeba obviously sees them as family, her story of changed perceptions invites us all to see things beyond what it seems like on surface.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk