Ghulam in Pakistan


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

The Ghulam people have a long history in Pakistan, tracing their origins to the times of the Mughal Empire. Traditionally, they served as servants and caretakers for the nobility, a role reflected in their name, which means "servant" or "slave" in Arabic. Over time, they have integrated into various sectors of society while maintaining their unique cultural identity.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Ghulam people primarily live in urban and rural areas across Pakistan, including Punjab and Sindh. Many work in agriculture, labor and small-scale trades to support their families. Despite economic hardships, they place a high value on family and community bonds. Education is important to them, but financial constraints often limit their access to quality schooling. They regularly gather for social and cultural events, reinforcing their sense of identity and community.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Ghulam people practice Sunni Islam, which deeply influences their daily lives and traditions. They observe Islamic rituals such as the five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and celebrating Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Local mosques serve as central hubs for worship and community gatherings, where religious leaders offer spiritual guidance and lead communal prayers. Though they identify with Islam, most also appease spirits that they believe will help them with their daily needs. Islam in South Asia is often affected by ancient Hindu practices.


What Are Their Needs?

The Ghulam community faces several significant challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. Many families live in poverty, struggling to improve their living standards. They need better educational infrastructure and resources to ensure their children receive a quality education. Access to reliable healthcare services is also crucial, along with initiatives that create sustainable economic opportunities to uplift their community.


Prayer Points

Pray for Ghulam people to have the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and embrace the Lord no matter what the cost.
Pray for Ghulam disciples who will make more disciples.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out loving and dedicated workers to the Ghulam community in Pakistan.


Scripture Prayers for the Ghulam in Pakistan.


References

AI generated


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Ghulam
People Name in Country Ghulam
Alternate Names Khanzada; Khanzada Ghulam; ग्युलम
Population this Country 26,000
Population all Countries 34,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 16829
ROP3 Code 112104
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
Punjab
24,000
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
1,300
Sindh
500
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
  Punjab 24,000
  Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 1,300
  Sindh 500
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 Saraiki (22,000 speakers)
Language Code skr   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 6
Secondary Languages
Hindko, Northern
1,100
Urdu
1,100
Sindhi
500
Punjabi, Western
300
Marwari (Pakistan)
60
Primary Language Saraiki (22,000 speakers)
Language Code skr   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 6
Secondary Languages
  Hindko, Northern 1,100
  Urdu 1,100
  Sindhi 500
  Punjabi, Western 300
  Marwari (Pakistan) 60
People Groups Speaking Saraiki
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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