Baloch Jatoi in Pakistan

People Name:	Baloch Jatoi
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	293,000
World Population:	293,000
Primary Language:	Balochi, Eastern
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Baloch
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Baloch people live in the southernmost region of the Iranian plateau in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. They speak the Balochi language, which is divided into three major dialects. It is believed that the name "Baloch" is derived from the name of the Babylonian king and god Belus. Some believe the word is a derivation of Sanskrit words "Bal" meaning strength and "Och" meaning high or magnificent. The Baloch claim their origins to be in Aleppo in what is now Syria. They are descendants of Hazrat Ameer Hamza, the uncle of Islamic prophet Muhammad. Based on an analysis of the linguistic connections of the Balochi language, the original homeland of the Balochi tribes was likely the east or southeast area of the central Caspian region.

The Baloch generally live in remote mountainous and desert regions, which provides protection from invasions. They live mainly in the Balochistan region of the southeastern-most edge of the Iranian plateau in Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, as well as in the Arabian Peninsula. They are subdivided among over 130 tribes, one of which is the Jatoi. The Jatoi speak the Eastern Balochi dialect.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Jatoi Baloch live according to tribal customs. Their men wear long shirts with long sleeves and loose pants. They sometimes wear turbans on their heads. Gold ornaments such as necklaces and bracelets are an important aspect of Baloch women's traditions. They usually wear a gold brooch that is used to fasten two parts of the dress together over the chest. They pass traditions to children through oral history retelling. The tradition of a Baloch mother singing lullabies to her children has played an important role in the transfer of knowledge from generation to generation for many centuries.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Baloch are predominantly Sunni Muslims but some are Shia Muslim. Balochi customs and traditions are conducted according to codes imposed by their tribal laws.

What Are Their Needs?

Like all Muslim Baloch groups, the Jatoi need an encounter with the only one who can save them from sin and give them abundant life.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Jatoi Baloch may be open to the message of the gospel and Jesus Christ as their only remedy for sin.
Pray that God will provide workers who speak the Balochi language to work with the Jatoi Baloch people.
Pray for the Lord to provide a record-breaking harvest for Jatoi Baloch farmers as a testimony of his power and love.