News Desk |
Tanzeela Qambrani, 39, is set to become the first African-Pakistani legislature. Qambrani is expected to take the oath as parliamentarian on 13th August 2018. She was selected by the Pakistan People’s Party on women reserved seats from southern Sindh province.
Tanzeela Qambrani hopes to help her marginalized community excel in the society through her nomination. In return, her community hopes that the elevation of one their community member will provide them opportunities to overpower the stigmas that have hindered their progress for decades.
“As a tiny minority lost in the midst of local populations, we have struggled to preserve our African roots and cultural expression, but I look forward to the day when the name Sidi will evoke respect, not contempt,” Ms Qambrani, whose ancestors came from Tanzania, told the international media outlet, BBC.
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“Just as Columbus discovered America, Bilawal has discovered Sidis,” added Ms. Qambrani.
The mother of three belongs to Badin and has a prior experience of political office as a local councilor. Her father was a lawyer and her mother is a retired schoolteacher. Her family has maintained their relations with their tribe in Africa. Her sister is married in Tanzania and the husband of another sister belongs to Ghana.
Earlier, Pakistan People Party promoted first Hindu woman from Thar in the Senate elections.
Similarly, Wazeer Zada has become the first parliamentarian from Kailash community. He was chosen on minority seats by Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf chief Imran Khan for provincial assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He thanked Imran Khan for selecting him to politically represent his community at the mainstream level.
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Both the parties have tried to address the social problem of Pakistan of which co-existence is a major one. The selection of the members from ethnic minorities will help address the problems of deprivation and marginalization such groups confront. The mainstreaming of ethnic minorities is essential to bind the society and protect it from political and ethnic tensions.