In pictures: Pakistan's indigenous African community

Pakistan's ethnic African community, known as the Sheedi, can be found in Karachi's Lyari neighbourhood. The Sheedi are believed to be descendants of sailors who came to the city 200 years ago.

Lyari district is close to Karachi's harbour. The area is famous throughout Pakistan for its boxers, footballers and gangsters - many of whom belong to the Sheedi community.

One of the biggest problems plaguing the Sheedi community is the shortage of recreational facilities for young people. While many still play football or box, increasing numbers are falling prey to gangs and drug dealers.

Footballers from Lyari are renowned across Pakistan for their skills. Many have played for Pakistani teams but they are highly critical of the lack of local facilities.

The lack of success of Pakistan's national team has not dimmed the passion for football. The availability of international sports channels via cheap cable TV has made many international players into household names.

The Jamia Masjid Sheedi, or main Sheedi mosque, is a local landmark and is as old as the community itself. It has recently been refurbished.

Sheedi women wear distinctive and colourfully patterned cloaks and are renowned for being outgoing and outspoken.

Mombasa street is named after the Kenyan city. Records suggest that it was a slave market until 1945. Although everybody in Lyari denies having a slave for a forefather, many families speak West African languages.

A Sheedi man has a haircut at a roadside stall in the neighbourhood. Sheedis are renowned for grooming themselves and dressing well.

Mohammad Hassan Abu is the former head of the local union council and is now the chief organiser of the annual Sheedi crocodile festival - an important event in their cultural calender in which the reptile features prominently. (Photos: Syed Shoaib Hasan)