Baloch Jalbani in Pakistan

People Name:	Baloch Jalbani
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	246,000
World Population:	246,000
Primary Language:	Balochi, Southern
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Baloch
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The various subgroups such as the Jalbani speak different languages, each with distinguishing characteristics. The Jalbani are a subgroup of the Rind Baloch. The Baloch homeland reaches from eastern Balochistan to southwestern Punjab, which borders India. This high, dry region was once a very populated country watered by a large number of flowing rivers. Today, it is a barren area of rocky mountains and dry river valleys mixed with desert land. The name, "Baloch," is shrouded in controversy. Some say it means "nomad," while others claim that it is an old Persian word meaning "the cock's crest." Their history is just as mysterious. Some have traced their origins to Nimrod, son of Cush (Noah's grandson). But while some things are uncertain, we do know that they first moved to the region in the twelfth century. During the Moghul period, this territory became known as "Balochistan."

There are 130 Baloch subgroups including the Jalbani. The Jalbani speak the Southern dialect of Balochi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Jalbani Baloch traditionally earn their living by a combination of farming and semi-nomadic shepherding. They usually raise sheep, cattle or goats. Agriculture is limited because of the harsh climate; nevertheless, it plays a large role in the economy. Their chief crop is wheat. To aid in the household economy, some farmers raise chickens. They also depend on wild fruits and vegetables. One wild plant, called the "dwarf palm," is used as a dietary supplement. They eat the meat of the palm and use the leaves to make ropes, shoes, mats, spoons, tents and pipes. Techniques of survival differ from valley to valley and from high mountain areas to lowland plains. However, each community tries to keep as many different animals as possible and to grow a wide variety of crops. The Jalbani Baloch have overcome the obstacles of living in an extremely harsh, arid climate.

Today, most of them live in two types of settlements that are conducive to their semi-nomadic lifestyle. Their permanent villages consist of clusters of mud houses, loosely organized around the home of the local chief. They live in these mountain and valley settlements in the summertime. However, in winter, they migrate to the plains and coastal areas, seeking green grass for their livestock. During this time, they live in tents, and move freely across the landscape as weather conditions dictate. These temporary settlements are smaller, consisting of closely related kin.

Jalbani Baloch marriages are arranged between the bride's father and the prospective groom. There is a bride price of livestock and cash. Once a woman is married, she passes from the authority of her father to that of her husband. Marriages are monogamous and lifelong, and marrying a non-Baloch is strictly forbidden. Balochmayar, or the "Balochiway," is the honor code by which the Jalbani Baloch live. These principles include extending hospitality and mercy, dealing with each other honestly, and offering refuge to strangers. They are preserved through both songs and poetry. Children learn proper behavior by watching their elders and are taunted whenever they misbehave. Many Baloch cannot read or write and until recently, their language was unwritten. However, they have a long tradition of poetic compositions. Poets and professional minstrels are highly regarded.

Bloch Jalbani people have been isolated due to harsh climate, the difficulty of the mountainous terrain, and their former reputation as bandits.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Jalbani Baloch are predominantly Sunni Muslims, following the same religious practices and traditions as other Sunni communities in Pakistan. Islamic faith is deeply integrated into their daily lives, with regular prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and observance of Islamic festivals being central to their religious practice. Mosques serve as important community centers for worship and social gatherings. While Islamic teachings guide their spiritual and moral life, some traditional Baloch customs and practices are also observed, creating a unique blend of religious and cultural identity.

What Are Their Needs?

The Jalbani Baloch have been isolated for many years due to harsh climate, the difficulty of communicating in mountainous terrain, and their former reputation as bandits. Access to basic services such as healthcare and education is limited, resulting in low literacy rates and inadequate medical care. Economic opportunities are also scarce, with many families struggling to make ends meet through pastoralism and small-scale farming. Infrastructure in Balochistan is underdeveloped, making transportation and communication difficult.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to give the Jalbani Baloch an abundant harvest this year as proof of his power and love.
Pray for Holy Spirit-led workers to go to every Baloch subgroup and lead them into a Disciple Making Movement. Pray for Jalbani Baloch elders to have dreams and visions of the risen Christ that will lead them to open the doors of their community to hear about his glory. Pray for the Lord to make a way for the Baloch to have a movement to Christ that will affect every subgroup.