Climate Induced Migration in Pakistan: Global discourse, local realities and governance

Coastal communities in Sindh are grappling with the harsh impacts of sea intrusion, resulting in land degradation, polluted water resources, and dwindling mangrove forests. This has led to food insecurity and livelihood losses, driving residents to migrate within the country and beyond. Recent reports predict that Karachi may be entirely submerged by 2060, with Thatta and Badin districts possibly facing submersion by 2050 due to rising sea levels. Concurrently, prolonged droughts in Balochistan have spurred seasonal and permanent migration, following traditional patterns towards Quetta, Hub Chowki, Karachi, and Punjab. In Sindh, residents from coastal areas like Kharo Chan and Keti Bander are relocating to major cities, with temporary flood-related migrations becoming permanent, forcing vulnerable populations into urban slums in places like Thatta, while those with resources move to mega-cities like Karachi.

Date: 2021

Source: Islamic Relief