Barech in Pakistan
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Barech |
| Country: | Pakistan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 3,500 |
| World Population: | 3,500 |
| Primary Language: | Balochi, Western |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.14 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.14 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Muslim - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Barech are a Pashtun subgroup that lives in Balochistan, a province in western Pakistan. Their Pashtun dialect is called Barechi or Marwat-Barechi.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most of the Barech are engaged in farming or livestock herding. Some have also taken up employment in urban areas, working in various sectors to support their families. Their resilience and adaptability enable them to navigate economic challenges.
The Barech have their own traditions of poetry, music and dance. They live by a moral and honor code known as Pashtunwali. They consider it to be a sense of honor to offer hospitality and shelter to someone who is on the run, even if that person is an enemy. Their sense of honor also comes from protecting their women and taking revenge on those who slight them.
They have a tribal system of authority led by a malik or a sardar.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Though the Barech Pashtuns are Sunni Muslim, their highest "religion" is their own Pashtunwali code. They agree with the tenets of Islam, but in their daily lives, Pashtunwali takes precedent.
What Are Their Needs?
The Barech face socio-economic challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and stable employment. Political marginalization and ongoing regional conflicts further complicate their situation. Low literacy rates, particularly among women, highlight the need for improved educational infrastructure and opportunities. Economic constraints often hinder families from sending their children to school.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Barech culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among their family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers who will be compelled to nurture a disciple making movement among the Barech people.
Pray that soon the Barech people will have faith that will lead them to live honorable lives that will draw others to the savior.
Pray for spiritual discernment and a hunger for true spirituality.