Rais Baloch in Pakistan

The Rais Baloch have only been reported in Pakistan
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

The Baloch people live in the southernmost region of the Iranian plateau in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. They speak the Balochi language. 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.


Where Are they Located?

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. The total population of ethnic Baloch people is estimated to be around 15 million people worldwide. As of 2012, the Baloch represented 7.11% of Pakistan's 177 million people. As of 2008, an estimated 8 to 9 million Baloch people were living in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. They are subdivided among over 130 tribes.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Baloch live according to tribal customs. They are separated into a number of different tribes, including the Bugti, Marri, Zehri, Hooth, and Megal. Baloch men wear long shirts with long sleeves and loose pants. They sometimes wear turbans on their heads. 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.


Prayer Points

Pray that the 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 supply unity among the various tribes of the Baloch people.


Scripture Prayers for the Baloch Rais in Pakistan.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baloch_people


Profile Source:   Anonymous  

People Name General Baloch Rais
People Name in Country Baloch Rais
Natural Name Rais Baloch
Alternate Names बलोच, राइस
Population this Country 105,000
Population all Countries 105,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 2
People ID 20258
ROP3 Code 115995
ROP25 Code 300774
ROP25 Name Baloch
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States on file 2
Largest States
Balochistan
102,000
Sindh
3,200
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 2
  Balochistan 102,000
  Sindh 3,200
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
100.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Balochi, Southern (79,000 speakers)
Language Code bcc   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 7
Secondary Languages
Balochi, Eastern
10,000
Balochi, Western
3,600
Sindhi
3,600
Urdu
1,600
Dari
1,200
Saraiki
200
Primary Language Balochi, Southern (79,000 speakers)
Language Code bcc   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 7
Secondary Languages
  Balochi, Eastern 10,000
  Balochi, Western 3,600
  Sindhi 3,600
  Urdu 1,600
  Dari 1,200
  Saraiki 200
People Groups Speaking Balochi, Southern
Photo Source Adam Dessert Harvesting Minister 
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Anonymous 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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