Khik (Wakhi) in Pakistan
Photo Source:
Robertino Radovix - Flickr
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Khik (Wakhi) |
| Country: | Pakistan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 68,000 |
| World Population: | 126,000 |
| Primary Language: | Wakhi |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Tajik |
| Affinity Bloc: | Persian-Median |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Wakhi, also known as the mountain Tajiks, are of the Tajik people cluster. They are also called the Guhiali, Khik, Vakhan, Wakhani, Wakhi, Wakhigi, or Wakhs.
The Wakhi are found in China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. They speak Khik, and Indo- Iranian language.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Kirghiz live in the high mountain valleys of the area, while the Wakhi lived in the lowlands areas. Relations between the two groups are often tense, yet both groups are economically dependent on each other. The Kirghiz depend on the Wakhi for grain, while the Wakhi depend on the Kirghiz for animals. The center of the areas where they reside is Khandud. Many have scattered and are refugees now. The literacy rate is below 1%.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Wakhi are Ismaili Shia Muslims. Some, however, are Imami Shia and Sunni. There are few, if any, Christians or churches among them. There are no known groups working among them. There are Christian audio recordings available in their language.
Prayer Points
Pray that the Wakhi people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings.
Pray for workers who will share the good news and tell the Wakhi people how to follow the Lord.
Pray for a movement to Christ among all the Wakhi peoples everywhere.