Navigating Challenges of Displacement in Moachh Goth

Humaira Bachal – Advocate for Education and Humanitarian Relief 

Humaira Bachal, an educational advocate and the founder of the Roshan Pakistan Foundation (RPF), is widely respected in Moachh Goth, Keamari Town, for her unyielding dedication to improving girls' education and community welfare. Born and raised in this multi-ethnic neighbourhood, Humaira’s commitment to social work evolved from a deep-seated belief in uplifting her community through education and proactive support. Her earlier ventures under the Dream Foundation earned her local and international recognition, including a notable fundraiser by Madonna, who highlighted her dedication on the global stage.

In October 2024, the Mapping Displacement team met Humaira at a school she operates in Moachh Goth under the RPF. This visit aimed to document how migration induced by climate disasters has reshaped community dynamics. Humaira has firsthand experience with mass displacement's social and logistical challenges, having engaged in flood relief efforts during the 2010 floods and again in the 2022 disaster. These experiences have cemented her reputation as a local leader adept at coordinating relief and rehabilitation initiatives.

Relief Work During the 2022 Floods

The floods of 2022 triggered a large-scale displacement from rural Sindh and neighbouring Balochistan, bringing thousands to the outskirts of Karachi in search of safety and stability. Under the aegis of the Roshan Pakistan Foundation, Humaira established two major temporary tent cities near Hub Road and Murshid Hospital in Moachh Goth, each housing approximately 200 tents. The site near Murshid Hospital quickly became a hub due to the healthcare support provided by the nearby facility, which proved crucial for pregnant women and young children.

Despite her dedicated efforts, Humaira faced significant challenges. The local host community’s response was mixed; while many residents showed generosity, others expressed concern over the potential long-term settlement. Rumours circulated that these temporary encampments might become permanent, fueled by historical cases of informal settlements being exploited by political figures and land mafias to advance their interests. This apprehension extended to donor organizations, which often attached conditions for evacuation to their support.

Tensions and Displacement Dynamics

Humaira described how the host community's initial goodwill waned as the temporary camps stretched beyond the anticipated duration. The presence of displaced, especially those from outside Sindh, exacerbated anxieties about potential shifts in local demographics and resources. “The tension always lingered,” Humaira noted, explaining that host community members feared losing control over land and services. These tensions were not unfounded, as Karachi's land disputes often involved influential parties and powerful political actors.

Her work became even more challenging when influential figures leveraged the migration crisis for their own agendas. “To the powerful, land in Karachi is nothing less than gold,” she stated, underscoring how land mafias manipulated the situation to create rifts and push for disbanding the camps. The displaced families were caught in the middle, treated as leverage in a broader power struggle over land ownership.

One of the most difficult moments for Humaira was witnessing the human toll of these floods. She recounted stories that encapsulated the dire circumstances the displaced faced: a father attacked and killed by stray dogs while sleeping on the roof of his flood-damaged house in Dadu, and a mother from Balochistan who, after giving birth en route, died within hours from an infection due to a lack of medical supplies. “These were not just stories; they were evidence of the reality that the displaced endured,” Humaira explained. Despite the critical needs of these communities, the social pressure to clear the camps grew. Within a month and a half, the tent city near Murshid Hospital was dismantled under pressure from local stakeholders and influential parties.

The Broader Impact on Social Cohesion

Humaira’s experience highlighted a broader pattern observed across host communities: the arrival of large displaced populations strained existing social structures and resources, fostering tension and resistance. While the displaced sought refuge and safety, their presence often triggered anxieties among host community members, who feared disruptions to their way of life and competition for resources.

The influence of local politics added another layer of complexity. Land disputes in Karachi are notoriously contentious, involving powerful actors who do not hesitate to exploit crises for their own benefit. Humaira pointed out how, in the eyes of these influential players, the humanitarian crisis was secondary to the opportunity to control valuable land. This added further pressure on organizations like her own, which had to navigate not just the logistical challenges of providing aid but also the socio-political landscape that dictated the terms of such efforts.

Need of the Hour:

Bachal’s dual role as an educational advocate and humanitarian worker has provided her with a unique perspective on how climate and disaster-induced migration can affect both displaced populations and host communities. Her work underscores that while immediate relief is essential, sustainable solutions require addressing the fears and concerns of host communities, mitigating tensions, and preventing powerful interests from manipulating the situation. The case of Moachh Goth illustrates how humanitarian efforts can be complicated by underlying social and political dynamics, revealing the delicate balance required to support both displaced individuals and host communities without exacerbating existing conflicts.