The Bashkar people of Pakistan, descend from ancient Central Asian tribes. They settled in the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan centuries ago. For hundreds of years they have engaged in agriculture and pastoralism, adapting to the challenging terrain and climate of their homeland. Though their culture is similar to the peoples around them, the Bashkars have some of their own unique cultural practices.
The Bashkar people lead a predominantly agrarian lifestyle, cultivating crops like wheat, maize and barley on terraced fields. They also rear livestock, including goats and sheep, which provide them with meat, milk and wool. Their homes, built from locally sourced materials like stone and wood, are designed to endure the harsh mountain climate. The Bashkar community emphasizes strong family bonds and communal cooperation, with social activities often revolving around traditional festivals, music and dance.
Despite the influence of Islam, the Bashkar people maintain many of their ancestral spiritual customs, resulting in a tapestry of beliefs sometimes reflecting Islam and other times reflecting ancient beliefs. Islamic practices, such as daily prayers and fasting during Ramadan, are integral to their religious life. Yet they also honor nature spirits and ancestors, seeking their guidance and blessings through various rituals and ceremonies.
The Bashkar people face several challenges due to their remote location and limited access to resources. They need improved infrastructure, such as roads and communication networks, to connect them with broader economic and social opportunities. Access to education and healthcare remains a significant concern, with many Bashkar lacking adequate facilities and services. Sustainable development programs that enhance agricultural productivity and provide alternative livelihoods would greatly benefit the community.
Pray for a soon coming day when the Bashkar people would put their faith and their identity in Jesus Christ as Lord of lords.
Pray for Bashkar disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for Bashkar family leaders to have dreams of the risen and victorious Christ leading them to teach Christ to their people.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers.
Scripture Prayers for the Bashkar in Pakistan.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Bashkar |
People Name in Country | Bashkar |
Pronunciation |
VASH-kar
|
Alternate Names | बाशकर |
Population this Country | 230,000 |
Population all Countries | 230,000 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 5 |
People ID | 19425 |
ROP3 Code | 115252 |
ROP25 Code | 300927 |
ROP25 Name | Bashkar |
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 230,000 | |
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 | Hindko, Northern (105,000 speakers) | |||||||||
Language Code | hno Ethnologue Listing | |||||||||
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing | |||||||||
Total Languages | 10 | |||||||||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Hindko, Northern (105,000 speakers) |
Language Code | hno Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 10 |
Secondary Languages | |
Kateviri 60,000 | |
Pashto, Northern 33,000 | |
Torwali 11,000 | |
Khowar 8,000 | |
Urdu 5,300 | |
Gawri 2,500 | |
Saraiki 500 | |
Hindko, Southern 300 | |
Pashto, Central 100 | |
People Groups | Speaking Hindko, Northern |
Primary Language: Hindko, Northern
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1929-2023) |
Bible-New Testament | No |
Bible-Complete | No |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
Audio Recordings | Story of Jesus audio | Jesus Film Project |
Film / Video | Indigitube.tv Video / Animation | Create International |
Film / Video | Jesus Film: view in Hindko, Northern | Jesus Film Project |
Film / Video | World Christian Videos | World Christian Videos |
General | Bible for Children | Bible for Children |
General | Biblical answers to your questions | Got Questions Ministry |
General | Scripture Earth Gospel resources links | Scripture Earth |
Photo Source |
(Representative photo) Ground Report - Flickr 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. |