The Forgotten Bengalis of Pakistan

Decades after Bangladesh gained independence, a significant community of ethnic Bengalis remains in Pakistan today. Many are descendants of families who stayed behind when the country split in 1971.

These residents are a unique bridge between two nations, often raised to be fluent in both Urdu and Bengali. The vast majority have made their homes in the bustling city of Karachi. While their ancestors once lived in the same country, these families have navigated a complex path to establish their identity as Pakistani citizens. It is a quiet reminder of how history reshapes communities across borders.