Uyghur Muslims in Pakistan mark Eid al-Fitr while expressing deep concern over the loss of cultural and familial ties to their homeland in China’s Xinjiang region
RAWALPINDI: More than 100 Uyghur Muslims gathered on a rooftop in Rawalpindi to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
The community, many wearing traditional doppa skullcaps, embraced under a banner reading “Eid Mubarak, Uyghur Kids Pakistan.”
“Every year, by the grace of God, we bring our Uyghur children together, we have fun here, to preserve our culture and our mother tongue,” Muhammad Umar Khan, the community’s leader in Pakistan, said.
The Uyghur diaspora in Pakistan numbers about 400 to 500 families, primarily in Gilgit-Baltistan and Rawalpindi.
Migration from China’s Xinjiang region began in the 1960s.
Community leaders now voice grave concerns over cultural erosion and severed family links.
“(Our children) understand our language but they cannot speak it. That’s why we are a bit worried,” said community member Amanullah Khan.
Activists are calling for a dedicated school to teach the Uyghur language to younger generations born in Pakistan.
Amanullah Khan said a school is needed so “our children can reach the level where they can become doctors, or engineers, or enter journalism.”
Muhammad Umar Khan recounted a failed attempt to establish such a school, which was closed down by authorities.
He suspected “interference by China” was behind the closure.
Poverty further complicates efforts, with many children unable to access formal education.
The celebration occurred against a backdrop of international allegations against China regarding the treatment of Uyghurs.
A 2022 UN report cited “credible” allegations of rights violations in Xinjiang.
China has consistently denied all allegations of human rights abuses.
Muhammad Umar Khan said he has lost contact with about 300 relatives in Xinjiang over the past decade.
“Our relatives are oppressed there. Not just mine, but Uyghurs all over the world, no one is able to contact them,” he stated.
Despite the challenges, a younger generation vows to continue the struggle.
Muhammad Umar Khan’s daughter, Sadia Umar, expressed pride in her heritage.
“I just love the way my father works so hard for Uyghur people, Uyghur kids, God willing in the future I will do the same thing,” she said.
