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 a fulfillment of the vision of Pakistan, a homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent. However, their identity evolved over decades of political alienation, systemic discrimination, and cultural exclusion, which culminated in the emergence of the Muhajir Cultural Day—a celebration of their resilience and heritage.
The Origins of the Muhajir Identity
Upon migrating, Muhajirs settled predominantly in urban areas of Sindh, such as Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur. They embraced their new homeland and identified simply as Pakistanis. Despite their substantial contribution to the nation’s development, the first seeds of alienation were sown during the regime of Pakistan's first military ruler, General Ayub Khan. Ayub Khan reportedly warned Muhajirs of their precarious position, suggesting that their migration from India could lead to further displacement—this time, into the ocean.
Muhajirs, while patriotic Pakistanis, faced a growing identity crisis as they were labelled with pejorative terms like "Panahgir," "Hindustani," and "Makkar." These labels were reminders of their outsider status, prompting them to adopt the term "Muhajir" with pride. This identity symbolised both their migration story and their enduring struggle for recognition.
Cultural and Political Polarisation
The divide deepened under Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's leadership. Bhutto, who rose to prominence during Ayub Khan’s rule, introduced policies that fuelled ethnic tensions in Sindh. His Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) implemented a divisive quota system in 1973, splitting Sindh into "Urban" and "Rural" zones. The rural areas, primarily Sindhi-speaking, were allocated 60% of government jobs and educational opportunities, while urban areas especially Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, where Muhajirs were concentrated, received only 40%.
Additionally, Bhutto's language policies exacerbated the situation. In the early 1970s, the Sindh Assembly passed a bill to make Sindhi the provincial language, sidelining Urdu, the lingua franca of Muhajirs. These measures led to violent ethnic clashes and further marginalised Muhajirs, who had already felt excluded from the political and administrative fabric of Sindh.
Muhajirs and Their Contributions
Despite these challenges, Muhajirs played an instrumental role in Pakistan’s urban development. As a predominantly urbanised and educated community, they excelled in commerce, education, and professional fields. They turned Karachi into the economic hub of Pakistan and contributed significantly to the nation’s progress.
Their relationship with the local Sindhi population has historically been amicable. Common Sindhis, known for their hospitality and rich cultural traditions, have coexisted peacefully with Muhajirs, despite linguistic and cultural differences. The discord, however, stems from political elites and policies that promote division rather than unity.
The absence of Muhajirs in key political and administrative roles in Sindh reflects the true picture of the level of discrimination. Despite making up a significant portion of the province's population, not a single Muhajir has served as Sindh’s Chief Minister since the creation of Pakistan
Emergence of Muhajir Cultural Day
Muhajir Cultural Day is a response to decades of discrimination, injustice, and denial of identity. It celebrates the unique heritage of Muhajirs, their language, their art, and their history. This movement gained momentum as a reaction to Sindhi Culture Day (Ajrak Day), introduced by the PPP to celebrate Sindhi heritage. While cultural celebrations are valuable in fostering pride and unity, they have often been used as political tools to marginalise other ethnic groups in Sindh.
Muhajir youth, disillusioned by systemic biases and the lack of representation, began to assert their identity through cultural expressions. The rise of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in the 1980s provided a political platform for Muhajirs, channelling their frustrations into organised activism. While the MQM’s trajectory has been controversial, it succeeded in highlighting the grievances of the Muhajir community and cementing their identity in Pakistan's sociopolitical landscape.
A Call for Unity
The roots of ethnic polarisation in Pakistan lie in the failure of successive governments to promote a unified national identity. After the demise of Pakistan’s founding leaders, politicians and rulers resorted to divisive tactics, fostering provincialism over nationalism. Provincial identities—Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, and Pashtun—were celebrated at the expense of a collective Pakistani identity. Muhajirs, despite being integral to the creation of Pakistan, were denied their rightful place in this framework.
The absence of Muhajirs in key political and administrative roles in Sindh reflects the true picture of the level of discrimination. Despite making up a significant portion of the province's population, not a single Muhajir has served as Sindh’s Chief Minister since the creation of Pakistan. Key positions in government and law enforcement are dominated by Sindhi-speaking individuals, further alienating Muhajirs.
The Way Forward
Pakistan's strength lies in its diversity. Celebrating provincial and ethnic cultures should not come at the cost of national unity. Muhajir Cultural Day is a poignant reminder of the need for inclusivity and recognition of all ethnic groups. A truly united Pakistan must ensure equal opportunities and representation for everyone, regardless of their ethnicity or origin. In this regard, Pakistani governments and established learned the lesson of separation of East Pakistan due to discrimination and hatred for Bengalis.
The dream of Pakistan’s founders was of a nation where all Muslims could thrive as equals, united under a single flag. To honour this vision, Pakistan must rise above ethnic and linguistic divisions and embrace its multifaceted identity. Muhajir Culture Day is not just a celebration of one community’s heritage; it is a call for justice, equality, and the recognition of every citizen's contribution to the nation’s fabric.