Baloch Sangur in Pakistan
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Baloch Sangur |
| Country: | Pakistan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 154,000 |
| World Population: | 154,000 |
| Primary Language: | Balochi, Southern |
| 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: |
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Introduction / History
The Baloch people live in the southernmost region of the Iranian plateau in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. 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 the Islamic prophet Mohammad. 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 speak the Balochi languages. They are subdivided among over 130 tribes. Among these are the Sangur Baloch.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Sangur Baloch live according to tribal customs. Sangur Baloch men wear long shirts with long sleeves and loose pants. They sometimes wear turbans. The Baloch living in Iran observe a more conservative dress code; some women cover their faces with thick red wools and wear a head scarf and long veil.
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?
They 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?
The Sangur Baloch people have very few if any chances to hear and respond to the life-saving gospel. They live among Muslims, and there have been no spiritual breakthroughs among the Sangur or any other Baloch people.
Prayer Points
Pray that the Sangur Baloch may be open to the message of the gospel.
Pray that God will provide workers who speak the Balochi language to work with the Baloch peoples.
Pray that God will bring peace and justice between the various Baloch peoples.