Buzdar Baloch in Pakistan

The Buzdar Baloch have only been reported in Pakistan
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

Baloch subgroups such as the Buzdar speak different languages, each with distinguishing characteristics. The Buzdar are actually a clan of the Rind subgroups, making them a subgroup of a subgroup. The Buzdar have a strong martial history. The Baloch homeland reaches from eastern Balochistan to southwestern Punjab, which borders India. This high, dry region was once a very populated country watered by a large number of flowing rivers. Today, it is a barren area of rocky mountains and dry river valleys mixed with desert land. Their name, "Baloch," is shrouded in controversy. Some say it means "nomad," while others claim that it is an old Persian word meaning "the cock's crest." Their history is just as mysterious. Some have traced their origins to Nimrod, son of Cush (Noah's grandson). But while some things are uncertain, we do know that they first moved to the region in the twelfth century. During the Moghul period, this territory became known as "Balochistan."


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Buzdar Baloch traditionally earn their living as ranchers who raise goats. Agriculture is limited because of the harsh climate; nevertheless, it plays an important role in the economy. Their chief crop is wheat. To aid in the household economy, some farmers raise chickens. One wild plant, called the "dwarf palm," is used as a dietary supplement. The meat of the palm is eaten, and the leaves are used to make ropes, shoes, mats, spoons, tents, and pipes. Techniques of survival differ from valley to valley and from high mountain areas to lowland plains. However, each community tries to keep as many different animals as possible and to grow a wide variety of crops. The Buzdar Baloch have overcome the obstacles of living in an extremely harsh, arid climate. Today, most of them live in two types of settlements that are conducive to their semi-nomadic lifestyle. Their permanent villages consist of clusters of mud houses, loosely organized around the home of the local chief. They live in these mountain and valley settlements in the summertime. However, in winter, they migrate to the plains and coastal areas, seeking green grass for their livestock. During this time, they live in tents, and move freely across the landscape as weather conditions dictate. These temporary settlements are smaller, consisting of closely related kin. Baloch marriages are arranged between the bride's father and the prospective groom. There is a "bride price" of livestock and cash. Once a woman is married, she passes from the authority of her father to that of her husband. Marriages are monogamous and lifelong, and marrying a non-Baloch is strictly forbidden. Balochmayar, or the "Balochiway," is the honor code by which the Buzdar Baloch live. These principles include extending hospitality and mercy, dealing with each other honestly, and offering refuge to strangers. They are preserved through both songs and poetry. Children learn proper behavior by watching their elders and are taunted whenever they misbehave. Many Baloch cannot read or write and until recently, their language was unwritten. However, they have a long tradition of poetic compositions. Poets and professional minstrels are highly regarded.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Buzdar Baloch are Sunni Muslims. Their religious practices remain private, and there is no concept of a "state religion" among them like there is for most other Pakistani peoples. All forms of secular authority are separated from the spiritual authority held by religious leaders.


What Are Their Needs?

The Baloch have been isolated for many years due to harsh climate, the difficulty of communicating in mountainous terrain, and their former reputation as bandits. Since the governments of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan all have a share in Balochistan's welfare, they have begun building roads and developing agriculture programs. However, the Baloch have remained largely unaffected by these developmental changes.


Prayer Points

Pray for Holy Spirit-led workers to go to every Baloch subgroup and lead them into a Disciple Making Movement. Pray for Baloch elders to have dreams and visions of the risen Christ that will lead them to open the doors of their community to hear about His glory. Pray for the Lord to make a way for the Baloch to have a movement to Christ that will affect every subgroup.


Scripture Prayers for the Baloch Buzdar in Pakistan.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzdar_(tribe)


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Baloch Buzdar
People Name in Country Baloch Buzdar
Natural Name Buzdar Baloch
Alternate Names Bozikgai
Population this Country 51,000
Population all Countries 51,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 21656
ROP3 Code 118436
ROP25 Code 300774
ROP25 Name Baloch
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 3
Largest States
Balochistan
19,000
Punjab
17,000
Sindh
15,000
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 3
  Balochistan 19,000
  Punjab 17,000
  Sindh 15,000
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
100.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Balochi, Eastern (27,000 speakers)
Language Code bgp   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 6
Secondary Languages
Balochi, Southern
12,000
Sindhi
4,600
Saraiki
3,000
Pashto, Central
2,300
Urdu
1,500
Primary Language Balochi, Eastern (27,000 speakers)
Language Code bgp   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 6
Secondary Languages
  Balochi, Southern 12,000
  Sindhi 4,600
  Saraiki 3,000
  Pashto, Central 2,300
  Urdu 1,500
People Groups Speaking Balochi, Eastern
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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