Pashtun, Northern in Kyrgyzstan

People Name:	Pashtun, Northern
Country:	Kyrgyzstan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	600
World Population:	40,163,200
Primary Language:	Pashto, Northern
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Muslim - Pashtun
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Pashtun of Afghanistan and Pakistan have been called the largest Muslim tribal society in the world. There are at least 30 major tribes, and countless sub-tribes and clans. Spread over a vast geographical area and riven by socio-economic, political, tribal, and linguistic (dialectical) differences, Pashtuns nevertheless share a unique sense of common identity. Pashtun identity is based on four elements: Heritage (descent from a common ancestor); Islam (99.9% Muslim); the Pashtunwali Code of Honor ("The Way of the Pashtun"); and to some extent, language (Pakhtu or Pashto). They live primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan, though there is a significant Pashtun diaspora in the Arab Gulf and many Western countries. A small number are in Kyrgyzstan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Pashtuns who live in Kyrgyzstan are usually well-educated. They go to that country looking for better economic opportunities and a peaceful environment. They are often hassled by tax collectors and the Kyrgyz police in an attempt to get money from them. Pashtun refugees in Kyrgyzstan often feel unwelcome. The Kyrgyz sometimes expect them to be Islamic militants, not knowing that these people are fleeing from the Taliban themselves.

What Are Their Beliefs?

No matter where they live the Pashtuns almost always identify themselves as Sunni Muslims. They will be married in a mosque, and to be associated with another religious system would be unacceptable in their community. Those who want to take Christ to the Pashtuns will need to do just that; take Christ to them, not a religious system. The Pashtunwali Code of Honor erodes among Pashtuns who live in urban settings. Some of them have only a weak identity as Pashtuns. They need to find their identity in the Savior who loves them and wants them to be transformed into His likeness.

What Are Their Needs?

The Pashtuns need to hear of the only Savior of mankind, the one who can give them abundant life if they would allow Him.

Prayer Points

Pray for a movement to Christ among the Pashtuns Diaspora that will spread far and wide. Pray for accuracy in Bible translations in progress. Pray for more workers to serve among the Pashtun people in Kyrgyzstan—in education, business, healthcare, development, and other professional areas. No one knows how many Pashtuns are following Jesus. Seeds of the gospel have been sown widely. The greatest barriers to faith are social and cultural. Pray for God's Spirit to strengthen and protect new believers and to empower their lives and witness.