Have you ever been in a situation where no one would listen to you? Have you ever been judged by someone else’s actions? What if you were a nation of people who just wanted for once to be seen for their true colors.
I have visited and lived in Pakistan over many years. The Pakistani people from the Tribal regions to the busy cities have always treated me with respect and kindness. These are their true colors.
Recently, I traveled to the City of Murry, Pakistan. Murry is nestled in the beautiful mountains of Pakistan surrounded by so much beauty that nature could provide to ones sense’s. This is where I met a nomadic Pakistani Tribe of sheep and goat herders. This tribe travels over 700 miles throughout Pakistan with their families by foot migrating due to weather conditions and to sell their sheep and goats to cities large and small. On this small road, high in the mountains, we just stared and smiled at each other for some time. I don’t think they ever saw an American before and I have never seen a nomadic tribe of this kind. It felt as if I had stepped back in time over hundreds of years.
So, after staring and smiling at each other for a long time, I got out of the car. The Tribal Leaders thought I wanted to buy a sheep or goat. I said no and I didn’t need a sheep or goat at this time. It was starting to get dark and very cold outside. I guess they could tell I was tired and shivering from the mountain winds. They invited me for something to eat and to have tea with their families. I said no thank you because I needed to reach my destination before dark. Again, the Tribe smiled at me and I smiled back. Then the Tribal Elder came over to me and asked me to join their tribe and travel with them. I wish I could have taken this great opportunity to travel back in time by becoming a member of their tribe.
How gracious and kind of this nomadic Pakistani Tribe to invite me, a complete stranger and foreigner, to not only eat and drink with them but to become a part of their Tribal community and family. I will be eternally humbled, honored, and grateful that I got to meet this nomadic Tribe of Pakistan. This Tribe represents the true colors of Pakistan which are kindness and compassion for others.
In conclusion, I will probably never have the gracious opportunity to meet them again. However, the Pakistani Elders accepted me for who I am; A fellow human being. They will stay in my heart forever.
Author: Shannon Imran
Site Title: “Pakistan’s True Colors” Associated Content by Yahoo!
