Baloch unspecified 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

The Eastern Baluch are part of a much larger population of Baluch numbering about 13 million. The various groups speak different languages, each with distinguishing characteristics. Their homeland reaches from eastern Baluchistan 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, "Baluch," 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 "Baluchistan."


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Baluch traditionally earn their living by a combination of farming and semi-nomadic shepherding. They usually raise sheep, cattle, or goats. Agriculture is limited because of the harsh climate; nevertheless, it plays a large role in the economy. The chief crop is wheat. To aid in the household economy, some farmers raise chickens. They also depend on wild fruits and vegetables.

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 Baluch 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.

Baluch marriages are arranged between the bride's father and the prospective groom. A "bride price" of livestock and cash is paid. 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-Baluch is strictly forbidden.

Baluchmayar, or the "Baluchiway," is the honor code by which the Baluch 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 Baluch 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 Baluch are Sunni Muslims. Their religious practices remain private, and there is no concept of a "state religion." All forms of secular authority are separated from the spiritual authority held by religious leaders.


What Are Their Needs?

The Baluch 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 Baluchistan's welfare, they have begun building roads and developing agriculture programs. However, the Baluch have remained largely unaffected by these developmental changes.


Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go and share Christ with the Baluch.
Pray that Christian broadcasts will be made available as communication improves.
Ask God to strengthen, encourage, and protect missionaries that are trying to reach the Baluch with the Gospel.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Baluch towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
Pray that God will open the hearts of governmental leaders to the Gospel.
Ask the Lord to raise up a strong local church among the Baluch.


Scripture Prayers for the Baloch unspecified in Pakistan.


Profile Source:   Bethany World Prayer Center  

The Waiting World - The Baluch

Source:  The Waiting World      Download

People Name General Baloch
People Name in Country Baloch unspecified
Pronunciation bah-LOACH
Alternate Names Baloc; Baluch; Eastern Baloch; Eastern Baluch; Mazari; बलोच, ईस्टर्न
Population this Country 2,482,000
Population all Countries 2,551,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 50
People ID 11684
ROP3 Code 102830
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 6
Largest States
Punjab
3,225,000
Balochistan
3,155,000
Sindh
2,357,000
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
332,000
Islamabad
2,000
Azad Kashmir
200
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 6
  Punjab 3,225,000
  Balochistan 3,155,000
  Sindh 2,357,000
  Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 332,000
  Islamabad 2,000
  Azad Kashmir 200
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 (3,515,000 speakers)
Language Code bgp   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 17
Secondary Languages
(only 15 largest shown)
Balochi, Southern
3,444,000
Saraiki
726,000
Sindhi
671,000
Urdu
470,000
Punjabi, Western
91,000
Pashto, Central
75,000
Dari
34,000
Dhatki
21,000
Pashto, Southern
21,000
Khetrani
14,000
Pashto, Northern
11,000
Brahui
7,600
Hindko, Southern
4,600
Hindko, Northern
1,000
Pahari-Potwari
500
Primary Language Balochi, Eastern (3,515,000 speakers)
Language Code bgp   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 17
Secondary Languages (only 15 largest shown)
  Balochi, Southern 3,444,000
  Saraiki 726,000
  Sindhi 671,000
  Urdu 470,000
  Punjabi, Western 91,000
  Pashto, Central 75,000
  Dari 34,000
  Dhatki 21,000
  Pashto, Southern 21,000
  Khetrani 14,000
  Pashto, Northern 11,000
  Brahui 7,600
  Hindko, Southern 4,600
  Hindko, Northern 1,000
  Pahari-Potwari 500
People Groups Speaking Balochi, Eastern
Photo Source Khalid Mahmood - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Video Source The Waiting World
Profile Source Bethany World Prayer Center 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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