The Mohajirs peoples of Pakistan

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The tumultuous and bloody partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 brought about two independent nations, India and Pakistan. Twenty four years later a third nation erupted after a civil war between the then West and East Pakistan, and was named Bangladesh.

The Crossfire in Pakistan

Many different people groups were caught in the crossfire of the Hindu and Muslim violence including millions of Muslims in India. Thousands of these Muslims migrated to the southern Pakistan city of Karachi and surrounding province of Sindh, taking the name Mohajir, which in Urdu has the idea of “refugee”.

In Pakistan, there are an estimated 170 ethnic groups and more than 68 languages spoken.

Tinderbox for the Mohajirs of Pakistan

While other Muslims from India who migrated to Pakistan assimilated into the nation, the Urdu speaking Mohajirs, who settled in Karachi and the surrounding province of Sindh, continue to use this name even today.

A militant, ethnic based party called the Mohajir Quomi Movement (MQM) continues in a violent campaign against the government, demanding more representation and rights for the Mohajirs. In 1995 alone more than 1700 people were killed in Karachi, many of them being Mohajirs.

One of the fastest growing cities in Pakistan, the city of Karachi, with a population approaching 10 million (by some accounts), is over half Mohajir and is a political and social tinderbox.

The city of Karachi is a significant and beautiful city with a key geographical position. Karachi was the capital of Pakistan until 1963, when the capital moved to Islamabad.

Efforts have been underway for many years to bring an effective Gospel witness to the Mohajirs, but progress in slow. Much prayer is still needed for this city and province, for the peace and love of God to be powerfully present and visible.

Pray for the Mohajirs in Pakistan:

* For the workers in Karachi and other parts of Sindh reaching out to Mohajirs, for strength and encouragement.

* For the believers in Jesus among the Mohajirs and small fellowships that exist, for boldness and protection.

* For many more labourers to reach out to Mohajirs.

* For peace to come to Karachi and the Sindh, that the Mohajirs would find their true identity in Jesus.