Rakhshani Baloch in Pakistan

The Rakhshani 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 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 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, including the Bugti, Marri, Zehri, Hooth, Megal, Lashari and Rakhshani.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Rakhshani Baloch live according to tribal customs. 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?

Rakhshani 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?

Few Rakhshani Baloch people ever get the chance to hear the life-saving gospel. They live in a part of the world where Christians are non-existent, and the Baloch peoples are all solidly Muslim. How will they hear?


Prayer Points

Pray that the Rakhshani 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 and peace among the various tribes of the Baloch people.


Scripture Prayers for the Baloch Rakhshani in Pakistan.


References

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


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Baloch Rakhshani
People Name in Country Baloch Rakhshani
Natural Name Rakhshani Baloch
Pronunciation rek-SHAH-nee bah-LOACH
Alternate Names बलोच, रख़्शनि
Population this Country 486,000
Population all Countries 486,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 10
People ID 20259
ROP3 Code 115996
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 3
Largest States
Balochistan
438,000
Sindh
42,000
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
5,400
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 3
  Balochistan 438,000
  Sindh 42,000
  Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 5,400
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 (392,000 speakers)
Language Code bcc   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 10
Secondary Languages
Balochi, Eastern
55,000
Sindhi
18,000
Urdu
10,000
Dari
4,800
Pashto, Northern
2,500
Brahui
2,100
Saraiki
1,600
Pashto, Central
1,500
Hindko, Northern
200
Primary Language Balochi, Southern (392,000 speakers)
Language Code bcc   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 10
Secondary Languages
  Balochi, Eastern 55,000
  Sindhi 18,000
  Urdu 10,000
  Dari 4,800
  Pashto, Northern 2,500
  Brahui 2,100
  Saraiki 1,600
  Pashto, Central 1,500
  Hindko, Northern 200
People Groups Speaking Balochi, Southern
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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