Little is known about the Siddi people except that they are marginalized and have been forgotten. Their plight is that of many individuals included in African communities spread throughout the world in that they are disregarded because of the colour of their skin.
Afro-Pakistanis additionally known as Siddi are direct descendants of the Bantu people in the African great lakes region. The Siddi, also referred to as Siddhi, Sheedi or Habashi inhabit India and Pakistan; most practice Sunni Islam, however, there are some who are Catholic and Hindi. It’s imperative to point out that like African-Americans, the Pakistani people are a diverse group whose features come in unique variations.
The diversity of Pakistan that many people don’t know about. Not all Pakistanis are brown with dark hair & eyes! From the fairest Pakistanis… pic.twitter.com/SEbFNIh041
— Punkistani ??? (@Paneer_Papi) January 4, 2018
The Siddi arrived at the aforementioned regions under orders from Arab and Portuguese merchants to work as slave labourers. As reminders of remnants of Africa, many families are reported to speak and incorporate West African languages in their local dialect. Their origins are dated back to 1411 and are known for being diligent workers with great skill in carpentry.
One issue reminiscent of challenges experienced in other portions of the world such as the United States is a lack of leisure activities and facilities which has enabled an increase in risky behaviour such as abusing drugs and joining gangs. Nonetheless, one platform used as a pastime is playing soccer.
Nevertheless, there is some groundwork being laid by some advocates like Twitter user Punkistani (@Paneer_Papi) who said: “There’s not much knowledge on this beautiful small community in Pakistan! They are a community that lack a voice and I think more awareness about them should be raised so we can help!”
I found this small documentary about Afro-Pakistanis and thought I’d share it here since there’s not much knowledge on this beautiful small community in Pakistan! They are a community that lack a voice and I think more awareness about them should be raised so we can help! pic.twitter.com/tfXu8vDHIF
— Punkistani ??? (@Paneer_Papi) January 3, 2018
She goes on to say: “Please share and let me know if anyone is aware of any form of support or platforms for Afro-Siddhi’s and I’ll try to find something myself. Maaan, I love how diverse my people are”
Here’s part 2. Please share and let me know if anyone is aware of any form of support or platforms for Afro-Siddhi’s and I’ll try to find something myself.
Maaan, I love how diverse my people are ??❤️??❤️??❤️ pic.twitter.com/1JLAFHAIt4— Punkistani ??? (@Paneer_Papi) January 3, 2018
Interestingly, the women of the Siddi culture are known for being bold and independent, a far cry from the reputation of other Muslim women in other parts of the world.
To the stunning dark skinned Afro-Pakistanis (Siddhi) ??? how stunning do they look in traditional clothes oh myyyy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7tyY3Hyudn
— Punkistani ??? (@Paneer_Papi) January 4, 2018
Here are people’s reactions on Twitter after seeing the video about Afro-Pakistanis:
I have watched a doccie on Afro-Pakistanis on Al Jazeera about 4 years back, it was very insightful since I didn’t know Afro-Pakistanis exists
— Father of Dragons (@LordAzania) January 5, 2018
Also wondering if there are any documentaries about afro-arabs and not just in gulf countries, because if there aren’t I would wanna make one
— Kar(im)dashian (@kar_im_dashian) January 5, 2018
Ok yasss I need more of this ???… Nat Geo, History Channel…y’all not doing ya job!!! pic.twitter.com/5C6yS4JokT
— BrilliantBlackB#*%h (@_BlackMona_Lisa) January 5, 2018
The mix of cultures is my favourite thing about them ? two amazingly beautiful cultures mixed as one
— Punkistani ??? (@Paneer_Papi) January 4, 2018
I’ve never seen these kinds of Pakistanis in the diaspora here. I think if I met one of these people outside Pakistan I would never have believed them if they told me they were Pakistani. i’m more used tot he stereotypical appearance.
— Kar(im)dashian (@kar_im_dashian) January 5, 2018
Its actually like in Kenya whereby we have the Swahili people who are a mixed of Africans and Arabs. The community is still expanding mashallah and we have a kadhi system despite the overall democratic rule. Im swahili myself.
— Nas Min (@nasmin249) January 4, 2018
These are not Pakistanis they are just another dispersed group of Yisraelites following a foreign custom and religion just like Blacks in the US, UK and other parts of the world.
— Sar Dael (@dael32) January 5, 2018
