The Iron Lady of Pakistan

Car accidents have their body count. This is not a story meant to shove the idea that everything will be okay in life, but it is of mercy in all its forms. A decade ago, a woman faced injuries that permanently damaged and changed her life. Muniba Mazari- a speaker of stories, mother, activist, and artist, has told her story to the world. Along barren land a car of now one passenger topples- the lady left inside has sustained fractures and cannot move. The arriving aid needs to send her to emergency care stat but how? They had to settle on a Jeep left on the side of the street. The lady realizes her situation as the three hour car ride went by. Purest of pain is felt throughout her body. Upon being treated in the hospital for two months and a half, the doctor tells of the crushing news of what is to come of her- to no longer have the abilities she had.

Hearing the news of being unable to accomplish what you’ve done for your entire life can be surreal. Maybe you’d feel disbelief, immediate hopelessness, or maybe acceptance; any emotion towards such information is valid. Muniba was told she could no longer be an artist, a mother, or ever walk again. She did not lie to herself; she felt her sorrows. Questioning her purpose in life as she didn’t have the answers, all felt loss. Further complications rose, and she was bed ridden for two years. Her mother told her that this too shall pass, and that God had plans for her. These words provided her hope to continue. As the days passed, looking through the light her window provided, and hearing the birds sing as they flew by taught her the value of every moment in life. Awaiting the day she could see the world again, the hope obtained made her prevail.

The two years pass, and a wheelchair enters. Muniba looks at herself, wanting more change to herself. She wanted every luxury we cease to appreciate returned to her, but who wouldn’t. It would only lead to disappointment and unhappiness if she kept seeking for miracles. What she did in response to herself was acceptance. She could’ve continued moping- looking towards every imperfection, but instead she saw the strength she held throughout- embracing it tightly. Head on she fought each fear that filled her with anxiety and loss one by one. From divorce, to adopting her own son, facing others with confidence, and what others may think of her, she was provided with wisdom and happiness.

Muniba Mazari- the Iron Lady of Pakistan, embodies strength. She is not defined by what she lacks in the eyes of others, but by how she persevered through every hardship. Mercy, along with hope and strength provided by Allah (SWT) is not always shown directly. It takes the listening of heart to see such light through what may have been the darkest time in her life. Turning to Allah (SWT), to loved ones, to your aspiring self- the goals you carry, with faith in your fruition will surely never fail you.