Who Are Muhajirs?
The term “Muhajir” (مُہاجِر) is derived from the Arabic word muhājir (مُهَاجِر), meaning “migrant” or “emigrant.” In the historical Islamic context, it referred to Prophet Muhammad’s followers who migrated from Mecca to Medina.
In South Asian history, “Muhajir” specifically refers to Muslims who migrated from India to Pakistan after the Partition of 1947. These migrants primarily came from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Hyderabad (Deccan), Gujarat, and Rajasthan and settled in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, Hyderabad (Sindh), and urban Punjab.
Why Did Muhajirs Migrate to Pakistan?
- Partition of India (1947) – Many Muslims believed in the idea of Pakistan as a separate homeland and moved there after independence.
- Communal Violence – Hindu-Muslim riots during Partition forced many Muslims to leave India.
- Better Opportunities – Some elite and educated Muslims saw Pakistan as a place for better economic and political opportunities.
Early Status of Muhajirs in Pakistan
- Initially, Muhajirs were well-educated and influential. Many held key positions in bureaucracy, politics, and media.
- Leaders like Liaquat Ali Khan (Pakistan’s first Prime Minister) were Muhajirs.
- They dominated Karachi, which became Pakistan’s financial hub.
However, Muhajirs were not native to any Pakistani province, which created ethnic tensions, particularly in Sindh and Punjab.
Reality of Muhajirs in Pakistan Today
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Political Marginalization
- Once powerful in bureaucracy and government, Muhajirs lost influence after the 1970s due to quota systems and the rise of Sindhi and Punjabi nationalism.
- The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) emerged in the 1980s to protect Muhajir rights but later faced government crackdowns and internal splits.
- Today, MQM is politically weakened, and Muhajirs struggle for representation.
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Ethnic Discrimination
- Sindhi nationalist movements see Muhajirs as outsiders who took over Karachi.
- The Pakistani establishment (mostly Punjabi-dominated) favors Punjabis & Pashtuns over Muhajirs in key government jobs and the military.
- Muhajirs still lack provincial autonomy and are underrepresented in bureaucracy and armed forces.
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Socioeconomic Struggles
- Karachi, the Muhajir-dominated city, generates 70% of Pakistan’s revenue, yet Muhajirs feel deprived of resources and development.
- Increasing Pashtun migration to Karachi has led to tensions and violent clashes.
- Many Muhajirs feel like second-class citizens in Pakistan due to discrimination in jobs, education, and politics.
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Violence and Suppression
- Karachi has witnessed state-led operations against MQM, leading to arrests, disappearances, and alleged extra-judicial killings of Muhajir activists.
- There are frequent conflicts between Muhajirs, Pashtuns, Sindhis, and Baloch over Karachi’s control.