Bashkar in Pakistan

The Bashkar have only been reported in Pakistan
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

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.


What Are Their Lives Like?

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.


What Are Their Beliefs?

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.


What Are Their Needs?

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.


Prayer Points

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
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
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
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.



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