Introduction / History

The name "Punjabi" is used to describe both those who speak Punjabi, and those who inhabit the Punjab region in India and Pakistan. Punjabi is an Indo-European language that is divided into six main dialects. It is primarily spoken in the major regions of India and Pakistan. In general, Punjabis in Pakistan are Muslim and those in India are either Hindu or Sikh. In general, those who migrated from Pakistan speak Western Punjabi, and they're Muslim. They are the dominant group in Pakistan. Western Punjabis and other Pakistanis live in 16 countries, including a small number in Sweden.

What Are Their Lives Like?

First-generation Pakistani Punjabis predominantly work in blue?collar sectors, while second-generation individuals often aim for higher education and professional careers, helped by channels like the embassy and NGOs. Sweden's high cost of living and taxation mean families often engage in money transfers (remittances) and strategic saving—financial planning is a common emphasis.

Research (Uzma Kazi's doctoral thesis) reveals that many second-generation Pakistani Punjabis negotiate between Pakistani/Muslim family identities and a secular Swedish identity—a process called "diasporic bargains." They seek belonging both within their heritage community and mainstream Swedish society.

Identity navigation involves balancing respect for family/religion with embracing secular Swedish values—leading to diverse identity expressions among youth.

Many Pakistani Punjabis balance Swedish customs with cultural traditions—celebrating religious festivals at home (Eid, Ramadan) while joining Swedish festivities like Midsummer and Saturday sweets.

Hosting cultural nights with Pakistani food, sharing stories, and participating in Swedish events help build cross-cultural friendships.

Many Western Punjabis join Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) courses and use language apps like Duolingo and Babbel to master Swedish—essential for work and social engagement. NordPak Foundation works across Sweden (and other Nordic countries) to support Pakistanis by hosting workshops, training, and cultural events. Pakistan Information & Cultural Society (PICS Sweden) organizes cultural outreach, festivals, and virtual events like "Salam Pakistan".

Swedes value punctuality, privacy, and personal space—practices that newcomers often adjust to as they learn local social norms.

The Punjabi Culture Society Sweden offers Punjabi folk dance (Bhangra, Gidha) and celebrates fairs like Vaisakhi and Teeyan, promoting Punjabi heritage.

InterNations also hosts monthly meet-ups for Pakistani expats in Malmö and elsewhere, fostering social connections.

Pakistani Punjabi cuisine is widely available in urban Sweden. Notable eateries in Stockholm include Punjabi Masala Grill, Anmol Sweets, and Restaurang Lilla Karachi, known for dishes like biryani, karahi, samosas, and naan. Punjabi Zaiqa in Skövde delivers authentic Punjabi-Pakistani flavors, replicating traditional cooking methods and hosting cultural events.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Western Punjabis in Sweden are Sunni Muslims who believe that the supreme God, Allah, spoke through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith. To live a righteous life, you must utter the Shahada (a statement of faith), pray five times a day facing Mecca, fast from sunup to sundown during the month of Ramadan, give alms to the poor, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you have the means. Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, slandering and making idols. They gather for corporate prayer on Friday afternoons at a mosque, their place of worship.

The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

Sunni religious practices are staid and simple. They believe that Allah has pre-determined our fates; they minimize free will.

In most of the Muslim world, people depend on the spirit world for their daily needs since they regard Allah as too distant. Allah may determine their eternal salvation, but the spirits determine how well we live in our daily lives. For that reason, they must appease the spirits. They often use charms and amulets to help them with spiritual forces.

What Are Their Needs?

Western Punjabis in Sweden need to saving power of Jesus Christ, the only Savior. As it stands, they depend on their ability to obey the teachings of the Koran and the goodwill of Allah.

Prayer Items

Pray that God intervenes in their lives and helps them understand his value and worth in our lives.
Pray that their hearts soften up to know more and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for God to soften their hearts and to know that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
Pray for a soon coming movement to Christ among Western Punjabi-speaking Muslims that will overflow to other Muslim communities in Sweden.

Scripture Prayers for the Punjabi, Western in Sweden.

References

https://www.facebook.com/groups/713304406767257/