Beyond Displacement: Stories of Community Rebuilding

Host Community: Sachal Goth

Sachal Goth, a settlement within Karachi’s expanding urban sprawl, holds the stories of countless families whose lives are marked by resilience and hope amid challenging circumstances. Among these stories is that of Parvez Abro, a father whose unwavering dedication to education and community service has shaped not only his own family but also the broader community he calls home.

Parvez Abro's journey began in Larkana, where he spent his early years before relocating to Karachi in 2009. The decision to move was driven by the desire to provide his children with better educational opportunities—a vision that would bear fruit in extraordinary ways. With the steadfast belief that education could change lives, Abro worked tirelessly to support his family. This commitment was reflected in the achievements of his seven children, each of whom found success in their chosen fields. One daughter earned the prestigious title of a gold medalist in Physics from Karachi University, another pursued a career in dentistry and became a skilled maxillofacial surgeon, while yet another carved out a role as an anchorperson for a Sindhi news channel. These successes were not mere strokes of luck but the result of Abro's relentless encouragement and sacrifice.

The theme of service extends beyond Abro's household. In 2010, when devastating super floods swept through Pakistan, displacing millions and reshaping the demographic landscape of Sindh, Abro found himself facing a new challenge. Karachi became a refuge for countless flood-affected families, many of whom arrived with nothing but the hope of survival. Initially settled in places like Indus Goth and temporary public shelters, these families struggled to meet even their most basic needs. Abro, together with a group of friends, stepped in to provide essential support. The conditions were dire: food, clean water, and sanitation facilities were insufficient, with only a few communal toilets shared by men and women. The sense of urgency was palpable as mothers fought to care for their children under difficult circumstances.

Driven by empathy, Abro and his companions brought relief to the displaced, providing food, clean drinking water, and temporary shelters. When families moved to settlements like Mehran Goth near Hub Chowki, they prioritized creating separate, secure facilities for women to maintain dignity and privacy. This act of kindness demonstrated Abro’s belief that in times of crisis, humanity and solidarity must prevail. “These were people in pain and in desperate need, so we did everything we could to help,” he recalls, underscoring a fundamental truth: adversity can reveal the deepest forms of compassion and solidarity.

However, not all outcomes were straightforward. While some flood-affected families managed to return to their original homes, others who had lost everything chose to stay. Abro notes that both the host and displaced communities face similar struggles with poverty and deprivation. Yet, these interactions are further complicated by the presence of criminal activity. Groups involved in land grabbing and other illegal enterprises often manipulate vulnerable populations, using religious or political pretexts to achieve their aims. This creates a dual reality within community life: on one hand, residents like Abro work to support and uplift those in need, while on the other, some exploit these challenges for personal gain. In some cases, displaced communities are settled on land strategically, with the intent of seizing it under the guise of providing refuge.

Sachal Goth, like many areas in Karachi, faces the broader challenges of migration and resource distribution. Over the years, Karachi has become a magnet for people seeking work, drawing in labourers and families from across the provinces. Abro reflects on how this influx has strained the city’s already limited resources, creating an environment of competition that sometimes leads to tension. Sindh, hosting the highest number of migrants among Pakistan’s provinces, has witnessed a rise in ethnic conflicts tied to this demographic shift. Abro shares instances from his own neighbourhood, where tensions have erupted into violence. Disputes over land and resources have occasionally turned deadly, underscoring the pressures of urban growth and the need for harmony among diverse groups.

Despite these challenges, Abro’s story is also one of resilience and hope. He strongly believes that education and community support are essential for overcoming adversity, and his children's successes are a testament to this belief. Their achievements illustrate what can be accomplished when opportunities are accessible and fully embraced. Through his experiences, Abro highlights the significance of collective effort and the necessity of fostering coexistence, even under difficult circumstances. The narratives emerging from Sachal Goth and its neighbouring areas reflect the layered realities of migration, resource limitations, and the determination to build a better future amid various obstacles.

Abro’s journey offers insight into the shared hardships and enduring strengths of those who inhabit Karachi. His perspective, deeply rooted in his belief that Karachi and its opportunities should first serve the people of Sindh, reflects a widely held sentiment among nationalist circles. Though a peaceful individual, Abro’s political engagement underscores these views, emphasizing the need to prioritize local rights and livelihoods. Parvez’s story encourages a deeper reflection on the tensions between and within communities in an area where multiple ethnicities have chosen to coexist after an event which forced them to fight for their existence systemically.