Percentage of Sindhi Population in Pakistan living today
According to the Digital Census 2023 Sindhi population in Pakistan is 55,696,149, making it the second-most populous province of Pakistan after Punjab. Sindhis form the majority ethnic group in Sindh, with their population comprising both Muslims and Hindus. The census data indicates that Sindhi Muslims are the dominant group, while Sindhi Hindus make up the largest religious minority in Sindh.
The Sindhi community, displaced by the 1947 Partition, lost its homeland, culture, and language but thrived globally, excelling in business and society. Despite success, they faced prejudice and identity struggles, leading to marginalization. This book explores their resilience, nostalgia, and evolving identity through personal reflections, academic studies, and cultural narratives.
Sindhi Muslims
Sindhi Muslims account for nearly 91% of Sindh’s population. They predominantly follow Sunni Islam, with a smaller Shia minority. The major Sunni sects in Sindh include Barelvi, Deobandi, and Ahl-e-Hadith, while the Shia community includes Twelvers and Ismailis. Sindhi Muslims are primarily engaged in agriculture, business, government services, and politics.
Table of Sindhi Population in Pakistan (Muslims)
| Regions | Muslims | Percentage % |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | 17.5 million | 97% |
| Hyderabad | 3.5 million | 84% |
| Larkana | 2.6 million | 94% |
| Sukkur | 2.4 million | 93% |
| Nawabshah | 1.7 million | 88% |
| Mirpur Khas | 1.8 million | 78% |
| Umerkot | 1.3 million | 65% |
| Tharparkar | 2.2 million | 55% |
| Other Districts | 22.1 million | 92% |
| Total (Sindh) | 50.84 million | 91.27% |
Sindhi Population in Pakistan (Muslims)
Sindhi Hindus
Sindhi Hindus are the largest native non Muslim community in Sindh, making up 8.73% of the province’s population. According to the 2023 Census, their total population is 4.86 million, which is also 1.86% of Pakistan’s total population. They are divided into two major groups:
1. Upper-Caste Hindus (General Category) – 3.92 million (7.03%)
- Includes Lohana, Bhatia, Khatri, Rajput, and Brahmin communities.
- Primarily live in urban areas such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpur Khas, and Nawabshah.
- Mostly involved in business, trade, education, and professional services.
2. Scheduled Castes (Dalits) – 0.94 million (1.70%)
- Includes Meghwal, Kohli, Bheel, Oad, Bagri, and Jogi communities.
- Mostly concentrated in rural districts such as Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpur Khas, and Badin.
- Primarily work as farmers, laborers, and artisans.
Table of Sindhi Population in Pakistan (Hindus)
| Region | Hindu Population | Percentage of Regional Population |
|---|---|---|
| Tharparkar | 1.8 million | 45% |
| Umerkot | 0.7 million | 35% |
| Mirpur Khas | 0.6 million | 22% |
| Hyderabad | 0.5 million | 16% |
| Karachi | 0.4 million | 10% |
| Sukkur | 0.3 million | 7% |
| Other Districts | 0.56 million | 9% |
| Total (Sindh) | 4.86 million | 8.73% |
Conclusion
Sindhis in Pakistan are a diverse and historically significant community, with Muslims forming the majority and Hindus as the largest minority. While Sindhi Muslims dominate rural and urban economies, Sindhi Hindus contribute significantly to commerce and business. Despite religious diversity, both communities share a common cultural heritage and linguistic identity in Sindh.