Sheenkhalai (Pashtun Hindki) in Pakistan

Sheenkhalai (Pashtun Hindki)
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Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Sheenkhalai (Pashtun Hindki)
Country: Pakistan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 8,200
World Population: 11,300
Primary Language: Pashto, Northern
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Pashtun have been called the largest Muslim tribal society in the world. There are at least 30 major tribes, and countless sub-tribes and clans. Pashtuns share a unique sense of common identity based on four elements: Heritage, Islam, the Pashtunwali Code of Honor, and to some extent, language (Pakhtu or Pashto). A Pashtun's primary loyalty is to his particular social group (tribe, sub-tribe or clan).
There have been efforts to reach the Pashtun since 1818, when William Carey translated parts of the Old Testament into Pashto, based on interaction with Pashtun traders who caravanned and settled across north India and beyond. The first intentional mission to the Pashtun was launched by the Church Missionary Society in Peshawar, Pakistan in 1853. This was followed by over 150 years of faithful witness. Despite this record, a vibrant, indigenous, disciple-making movement has yet to take root and spread. Pashtun are the largest group within the Taliban who now rule Afghanistan.
Pashto, the language of the Pashtuns, is a complex language. There are many varieties of the one language Pashto. Even women, who have less interaction with outsiders and other language groups, are said to speak a distinctive variety of Pashto.
The Pashtun Hindki or Sheenkhalai are a small sub-tribe of the Pashtun. They live in northern India and northern Pakistan. There are few if any believers among the Pashtun Hindki. Their primary language is Northern Pashto. The complete Northern Pashto Bible became available in 2019.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Pashtuns in Pakistan have a low literacy rate, which holds them back economically and socially. Those who have a good education often work as professionals or with government agencies, especially police departments. Those in rural areas sometimes earn a good income by renting out family-owned farmland or selling horses. The rural poor among them suffer from unsanitary conditions caused mainly by poor water and lack of access to modern medicine. The main occupations of rural Pashtun Hindki are animal husbandry and agriculture.
Pashtuns in Pakistan as well as other parts of South Asia have an affinity for Bollywood actors and actresses with the surname of Khan, which they attribute to their own ethnic group. Some Khans are Pashtun, but not all of them.
Honor and conversely, shame refer not to personal feelings or a psychological state, but to one's public reputation in the eyes of others. In a collectivistic society like the Pashtun, where community is emphasized over individualism, a person's identity is defined by his/her group. Everything one does is a matter of honor. Where you sit at a meal, who you marry, where you work, how you make decisions or spend money, all are affected by social expectations, and in turn affect one's reputation (honor). Although the practice of Pashtunwali may be decreasing among urban Pashtuns, it remains a unifying theme.
Women are both the weakest link, and most important symbol, of the honor of any Pashtun man, family, and tribe. For a woman, honor is equated with modesty. The notion of modesty involves far more than dress and includes the total demeanor of a woman and her submission to the men (father, husband, brothers) in her family. A Pashtun man may have up to four wives if he can afford them. Children, especially boys, are seen as blessings from Allah.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all Pashtuns are Sunni Muslims. Right religious practice tends to be more important than right belief. Actual religious practice and piety vary according to context. As in other parts of the Muslim world, some Pashtuns are cultural Muslims. Others are secular, or non-practicing; still others identify with the mystical tradition of Islam.
Pashtuns fear the influence of demons and evil spirits and seek protection by visiting the shrines of Muslim saints. They use amulets and charms and engage in astrology, and fortune telling. Driven by felt needs—healing, desire for a son, relief from an abusive spouse—women especially turn to folk practices to ward off evil and seek Allah's favor.

What Are Their Needs?

The Pashtun Hindki in Pakistan need to be liberated from the spirit world. They need a higher literacy rate so they can thrive in Pakistan's rapidly developing urban economy. Most of all, they need to have their sins forgiven by Isa or Jesus.

Prayer Points

Pray for each subgroup of Pashtuns in Pakistan to have a movement to Christ which will bless them economically and spiritually.
Ask God's Spirit to soften hearts to the truth of the gospel, to confirm the Word with signs and wonders,
Ask God to anoint, and grant wisdom, favor and fruitfulness to workers and agencies focused on the Pashtun.
Most Pashtun women are troubled by fears and have deep needs. Ask God to touch their hearts, especially through radio and television, and to help them put their faith in the Almighty Savior Jesus.

Text Source:   Joshua Project