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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 | 60,000 |
Total Countries | 2 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 16829 |
ROP3 Code | 112104 |
ROP25 Code | 302685 |
ROP25 Name | Ghulam |
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
Primary Language: Saraiki
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (2023) |
Bible-Complete | No |
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
Audio Recordings | Story of Jesus audio | Jesus Film Project |
Film / Video | Jesus Film: view in Saraiki | Jesus Film Project |
Film / Video | World Christian Videos | World Christian Videos |
General | Bible for Children | Bible for Children |
General | Biblical answers to your questions | Got Questions Ministry |
General | Scripture Earth Gospel resources links | Scripture Earth |
General | YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | Android Bible app: Miniafia Oyan: Saraiki | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | iOS Bible app: Saraiki | YouVersion Bibles |
Text / Printed Matter | Literacy primer for Saraiki | Literacy & Evangelism International |
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. |