Bashgali in Pakistan

The Bashgali have only been reported 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 Bashgali people, also known as the Kati or Kam, reside in the rugged mountains of northern Pakistan. They descend from ancient Indo-Aryan tribes, maintaining a distinct cultural identity despite centuries of isolation. Historically, they lived in the remote valleys of Chitral and Kunar, where they engaged in subsistence farming and livestock rearing. Through their long history the Bashgali have faced numerous challenges, including invasions and forced migrations, but they have preserved their traditional way of life and customs.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bashgali people lead a rural, agrarian lifestyle in the high-altitude regions of Pakistan. They cultivate crops like barley, maize and wheat on terraced fields and rear goats and sheep for milk, meat and wool. Their homes are typically stone and wood structures, built to withstand the harsh mountain climate.

Socially, they organize into extended family units and clans, with strong communal ties and a deep sense of mutual support. Despite modern influences, they continue to practice traditional crafts, music, and dance which play a vital role in their cultural expression.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bashgali people follow a blend of indigenous animistic beliefs and Islam. They revere nature spirits and ancestors, seeking their blessings for protection and prosperity. Rituals and ceremonies mark significant life events such as births, marriages and harvests. Islamic practices, including prayer and fasting are an important part of their daily lives, reflecting their dual religious heritage. However, their spiritual practices remain deeply rooted in their ancestral traditions, creating a syncretism of faith.


What Are Their Needs?

The Bashgali people face numerous challenges due to their remote and rugged environment. Access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities evade them. Improved infrastructure such as roads and communication networks, would facilitate better access to essential services and markets for their agricultural goods. Additionally, sustainable development initiatives could enhance agricultural productivity and provide alternative livelihoods.


Prayer Points

Pray for peace in the Northwest Frontier Province, allowing the Bashgali people to thrive.
Pray for their protection in a dangerous region and pray for Scripture and other resources to help them grow into Christlikeness.
There are likely no followers of Jesus among the Bashgali tribe. Pray that there will soon be Bashgali disciples who will make more disciples.
Pray for laborers to sow God's word to persons and households of peace, which will in turn catalyze movements to Christ among the Bashgali people.


Scripture Prayers for the Bashgali in Pakistan.


References

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-royal-asiatic-society/article/abs/i-notes-on-the-classification-of-bashgali/D5596AA92E50BEB704F47CA7A4CE7D1E


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Bashgali
People Name in Country Bashgali
Pronunciation bah-sah-GAH-lee
Alternate Names बशगाली
Population this Country 19,000
Population all Countries 19,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 19424
ROP3 Code 115841
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)
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 1
  Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 19,000
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 Kateviri (8,600 speakers)
Language Code bsh   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 8
Secondary Languages
Khowar
3,000
Kalasha
2,700
Dameli
2,600
Palula
1,000
Komviri
400
Pashto, Northern
200
Urdu
80
Primary Language Kateviri (8,600 speakers)
Language Code bsh   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 8
Secondary Languages
  Khowar 3,000
  Kalasha 2,700
  Dameli 2,600
  Palula 1,000
  Komviri 400
  Pashto, Northern 200
  Urdu 80
People Groups Speaking Kateviri

Primary Language:  Kateviri

Bible Translation Status:  Unspecified

Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Photo Source (Representative photo)
Dave Watts - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
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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