Makranis, the Negroes of Pakistan and India.

Makranis, the Negroes of Pakistan and India.

In Pakistan, locals of Black African descent are usually called "Sheedi". They live primarily along the Makran Coast in Balochistan, and lower Sindh. In the city of Karachi, the main Sheedi centre is the area of Lyari and other nearby coastal areas.

The sufi saint Pir Mangho is regarded by many as the patron saint of the Sheedis, and the annual Pir Mangho Urs festival, marking his death anniversary, is the key event in the Sheedi community's cultural calendar, features songs and dance clearly derived from Africa.[Pakistan's Sidi keep heritage alive by



Linguistically, Sheedis are Balochi or Sindhi. The Sheedis are believed to have arrived from East Africa in the area as slaves with Arab traders and rulers, especially via Muscat during the Omani suzerainty over the enclave of Gwadar in Makran. Famous Sheedis include the historic Sindhi army leader Hoshu Sheedi[

In Sindh province, the community is represented by the 'All Sindh Al Habash Jama’at', which has complained about discrimination and a lack of economic opportunities[K

Music may provide a clue to the community's origins

The lost Africans of India By the World Today's Andrew Whitehead

Music may provide a clue to the community's origins