A rough estimate in view of the previous data suggests that the number of Pashto-speaking people in Karachi might lie between 2.4 million and 3 million — more than the total population of Peshawar.

But unlike most Mohajirs, Sind­his or even Punjabis living in Karachi, the Pakhtuns of this city still lack a political identity — writes Azfar-ul-Ashfaque in his analysis in today's Dawn.

In Karachi, the Pakhtun vote bank is predominantly divided within religious parties. Many of the community members vote for national mainstream parties, while a large number choose the ANP as their first option. A small segment of the community is also attached with the MQM-Pakistan and the Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP). — Ashfaque

To find out more about the Pakhtun community's historical ballot box inclinations and which way they are leaning presently, read the full piece here.