The Bashgali people, also known as the Kati or Kam, reside in the rugged mountains of northern Pakistan. They descend from ancient Indo-Aryan tribes, maintaining a distinct cultural identity despite centuries of isolation. Historically, they lived in the remote valleys of Chitral and Kunar, where they engaged in subsistence farming and livestock rearing. Through their long history the Bashgali have faced numerous challenges, including invasions and forced migrations, but they have preserved their traditional way of life and customs.
The Bashgali people lead a rural, agrarian lifestyle in the high-altitude regions of Pakistan. They cultivate crops like barley, maize and wheat on terraced fields and rear goats and sheep for milk, meat and wool. Their homes are typically stone and wood structures, built to withstand the harsh mountain climate.
Socially, they organize into extended family units and clans, with strong communal ties and a deep sense of mutual support. Despite modern influences, they continue to practice traditional crafts, music, and dance which play a vital role in their cultural expression.
The Bashgali people follow a blend of indigenous animistic beliefs and Islam. They revere nature spirits and ancestors, seeking their blessings for protection and prosperity. Rituals and ceremonies mark significant life events such as births, marriages and harvests. Islamic practices, including prayer and fasting are an important part of their daily lives, reflecting their dual religious heritage. However, their spiritual practices remain deeply rooted in their ancestral traditions, creating a syncretism of faith.
The Bashgali people face numerous challenges due to their remote and rugged environment. Access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities evade them. Improved infrastructure such as roads and communication networks, would facilitate better access to essential services and markets for their agricultural goods. Additionally, sustainable development initiatives could enhance agricultural productivity and provide alternative livelihoods.
Pray for peace in the Northwest Frontier Province, allowing the Bashgali people to thrive.
Pray for their protection in a dangerous region and pray for Scripture and other resources to help them grow into Christlikeness.
There are likely no followers of Jesus among the Bashgali tribe. Pray that there will soon be Bashgali disciples who will make more disciples.
Pray for laborers to sow God's word to persons and households of peace, which will in turn catalyze movements to Christ among the Bashgali people.
Scripture Prayers for the Bashgali in Pakistan.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-royal-asiatic-society/article/abs/i-notes-on-the-classification-of-bashgali/D5596AA92E50BEB704F47CA7A4CE7D1E
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Bashgali |
People Name in Country | Bashgali |
Pronunciation |
bah-sah-GAH-lee
|
Alternate Names | बशगाली |
Population this Country | 19,000 |
Population all Countries | 19,000 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 19424 |
ROP3 Code | 115841 |
ROP25 Code | 300926 |
ROP25 Name | Bashgali |
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) |
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 | 1 |
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 19,000 | |
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 | Kateviri (8,600 speakers) | |||||||||
Language Code | bsh Ethnologue Listing | |||||||||
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing | |||||||||
Total Languages | 8 | |||||||||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Kateviri (8,600 speakers) |
Language Code | bsh Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 8 |
Secondary Languages | |
Khowar 3,000 | |
Kalasha 2,700 | |
Dameli 2,600 | |
Palula 1,000 | |
Komviri 400 | |
Pashto, Northern 200 | |
Urdu 80 | |
People Groups | Speaking Kateviri |
Primary Language: Kateviri
Bible Translation Status: Unspecified
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
Photo Source |
(Representative photo) Dave Watts - Wikimedia Creative Commons |
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. |