[7] At the time of Pakistan's independence in 1947, Sukkur district comprised approximately 200,000 inhabitants, mostly engaged in agricultural pursuits and fishing industry.

Over time, Sukkur has seen a moderate rise in population (2 to 2.5% per annum) as compared to Pakistan's, except in late 1960s and early 70s, when population growth rate reached 4.43% (1972 census) due to internal migration and establishment of some large bridges on river Indus.

The independence of Pakistan in 1947 saw the influx of Muslims which include Urdu-speaking Muhajirs, Bandhani speaking Rajputs from Rajasthan, Memons from Bombay, Gujarat and Kathiawar were migrated from India and settled here, mostly in the aftermath of riots when Pakistan was carved out of India as the result of Muslim vote; the Muslim population of India voted for their separate homeland, the Pakistan.

Traditionally Memons were associated with trade and retail business but during last two decades they have ascended as an active social and economic front.

Sukkur is noteworthy in Sindh and Pakistan generally for its comparative tolerance towards religious and ethnic minorities.

Sindhis are native to the area and speak its various dialects, including, Utradi, Lari, Thari, Dadhki, etc.