[Despite making up a significant portion of the province’s population, not a single Muhajir has served as Sindh’s Chief Minister since creation of Pakistan. Key positions in government and law enforcement are dominated by Sindhi-speaking individuals, further alienating Muhajirs…… By Syed Atiq ul Hassan]
Muhajirs, the migrants who moved to Pakistan during and after the Partition of 1947, did not initially identify themselves as “Muhajirs.” Their migration was seen as the fulfilment of the vision of Pakistan—a homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent. However, decades of political alienation, systemic discrimination, and cultural exclusion shaped their collective identity, culminating in the emergence of Muhajir Cultural Day—a celebration of their resilience and heritage.
The Origins of the Muhajir Identity
Upon migrating, Muhajirs primarily settled in Sindh’s urban centers, such as Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur. They embraced their new homeland, identifying simply as Pakistanis. Despite their substantial contributions to the nation’s development, seeds of alienation were sown during the regime of Pakistan’s first military ruler, General Ayub Khan. Ayub reportedly cautioned Muhajirs about their tenuous position, insinuating that their migration from India could lead to further displacement—into the ocean.
Patriotic yet marginalized, Muhajirs faced derogatory labels like “Panahgir,” “Hindustani,” and “Makkar,” which underscored their outsider status. These terms spurred the adoption of “Muhajir” as an identity symbolizing both their migration journey and their struggle for recognition.
Cultural and Political Polarization
The divide deepened under Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s leadership. Bhutto, who rose during Ayub Khan’s rule, implemented policies that intensified ethnic tensions in Sindh. His Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) introduced a quota system in 1973, dividing Sindh into “urban” and “rural” zones. Rural areas, predominantly Sindhi-speaking, were allocated 60% of government jobs and educational opportunities, while urban areas—where Muhajirs were concentrated—received only 40%.
Language policies further exacerbated tensions. In the early 1970s, the Sindh Assembly passed a bill declaring Sindhi the provincial language, marginalizing Urdu, the lingua franca of Muhajirs. These measures sparked violent ethnic clashes, deepening their exclusion from Sindh’s political and administrative fabric.
Muhajirs and Their Contributions
Despite these challenges, Muhajirs significantly shaped Pakistan’s urban development. As an educated and urbanized community, they excelled in commerce, education, and various professions, transforming Karachi into the country’s economic hub.
Historically, Muhajirs coexisted peacefully with Sindhis, known for their hospitality and rich traditions. However, political elites and divisive policies sowed discord, overshadowing the harmony between communities.
Even amidst systemic discrimination, Muhajirs have excelled across fields, producing renowned intellectuals, journalists, poets, politicians, diplomats, nuclear scientists, artists, cricketers, and business magnates, particularly from Karachi and Hyderabad. Globally, the Muhajir diaspora continues to thrive, contributing significantly in Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Africa, and beyond.
Emergence of Muhajir Cultural Day
Muhajir Cultural Day emerged as a response to decades of marginalization and denial of identity. It celebrates Muhajirs’ unique heritage, encompassing their language, art, and history. The movement gained momentum in reaction to Sindhi Culture Day (Ajrak Day), introduced by the PPP to celebrate Sindhi heritage. While cultural events foster pride and unity, they have occasionally been wielded as political tools to exclude other ethnic groups.
Disillusioned by systemic biases and underrepresentation, Muhajir youth began asserting their identity through cultural expressions. The rise of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in the 1980s provided a political platform, channelling their frustrations into organized activism. Despite its controversial trajectory, the MQM highlighted Muhajir grievances, solidifying their identity within Pakistan’s sociopolitical landscape.
A Call for Unity
Pakistan’s ethnic polarization stems from successive governments’ failure to foster a unified national identity. After the founding leaders’ demise, politicians resorted to provincialism over nationalism, prioritizing provincial identities—Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, and Pashtun—over a collective Pakistani identity. Despite being instrumental in Pakistan’s creation, Muhajirs were denied equitable representation.
This exclusion is starkly evident in Sindh’s political landscape: no Muhajir has served as Sindh’s Chief Minister since Pakistan’s inception, despite their significant demographic presence. Key positions in government and law enforcement remain dominated by Sindhi-speaking individuals, deepening Muhajirs’ alienation.
The Way Forward
Pakistan’s strength lies in its diversity. Celebrating provincial and ethnic cultures must not come at the expense of national unity. Muhajir Cultural Day underscores the urgent need for inclusivity and equal representation. Lessons from the separation of East Pakistan serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of discrimination and division.
The founders envisioned a Pakistan where all Muslims could thrive as equals under one flag. To honour this vision, Pakistan must transcend ethnic and linguistic divides, embracing its multifaceted identity. Muhajir Cultural Day is not merely a celebration of one community’s heritage but a call for justice, equality, and acknowledgment of every citizen’s contribution to the nation’s fabric.
(The writer is a Sydney-based journalist, human activist, political analyst and editor, Tribune International, Australia. He is also a recipient of harmony & peace and lifetime achievement awards. His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com ).
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