Tarakhehas in Pakistan

Tarakhehas
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2024
Isudas  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Tarakhehas
Country: Pakistan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 28,000
World Population: 42,000
Primary Language: Balti
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Portions
Ministry Resources: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Muslim Tarakheras people, with roots tracing back to ancient Central Asian tribes, migrated to the Indian subcontinent centuries ago. They settled in present-day Pakistan and embraced Islam, integrating into the local culture while maintaining their distinct identity. Over time, the Tarakheras have established themselves as skilled agriculturists and traders, contributing to the region's economic and social development. They live in the northern part of the country in Kashmir and they speak the Balti language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Muslim Tarakheras engage in agriculture, cultivating crops such as wheat and rice. Many also work in small-scale trading and livestock rearing. Their communities are close-knit, with strong family ties and a deep sense of mutual support. The Tarakheras maintain their own cultural heritage, actively participating in social and religious events that strengthen their community bonds.

They value hospitality, honor and community service reflecting their Islamic teachings and traditions. The Tarakheras community also places great importance on education, striving to pass on both religious and secular knowledge to the younger generations.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Muslim Tarakheras people practice Islam, predominantly Sunni, incorporating their faith into every aspect of their lives. They observe Islamic rituals, including daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and celebrating religious festivals like Eid.

Like most Sunni Muslims in South Asia, the Tarakheras people depend on the spirit world as well as Allah, the God of Islam. They believe Allah, though sovereign, will not take care of their daily practical needs.

What Are Their Needs?

The Muslim Tarakheras people face several pressing needs that require attention to improve their quality of life. Access to quality education is essential, as it provides opportunities for the younger generation to advance and succeed. Improved healthcare services are crucial, given the limited availability of medical facilities in some areas. Economic support through agricultural innovation, market access and vocational training can enhance their livelihoods. Infrastructure development, including better roads, clean water supply and electricity will also benefit the Tarakheras community. Addressing these needs will enable the Tarakheras people to achieve greater socio-economic stability.

Prayer Points

Pray that the sheer wonder of knowing Jesus and the impact he has on their lives and the joy he brings spur believers to share Christ with the Tarakheras people.
Pray the hearts of the Tarakheras people would be stirred by a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit readying them for the time when they hear the gospel message being shared with them.
Pray they will experience dreams and visions of Jesus leading them into a saving relationship with him.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Jesus Christ among the Tarakheras people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project