+13
+3
People cluster
Pashtun
Unreached
0%
Evangelicals
Who they are
The Pashtuns are one of the largest tribal peoples in the world, with more than 90 million people. Their homeland lies in the mountains and valleys along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where they are the largest group in Afghanistan and the second largest in Pakistan. They speak Pashto, a language related to Persian.
Life revolves around family, the tribe and an ancient code of honor, the Pashtunwali, which values hospitality, courage, protecting the guest and defending the family’s honor. Many make a living from farming, trade and hauling cargo. Millions work far from home, in cities like Karachi and in the Gulf countries of the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Almost all Pashtuns are Muslim, and the Islamic faith is tied to the identity of the people and the tribe. There are very few Christians among them. Those who decide to follow Jesus often face rejection from their family and community, so the few believers live out their faith very discreetly.
What sets the subgroups apart
The people are divided into dozens of tribes, each with its own ancestor, region and leaders. Some of the largest are the Durranis and the Ghilzais, stronger in Afghanistan, and the Yusufzais, Afridis, Khattaks and Wazirs, in northwestern Pakistan. The tribe decides whom one marries, who settles a dispute and to whom one owes loyalty.
There are also differences of place and language. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, Pashtuns speak Pashto every day, with different accents in the north and the south. In India, Bangladesh and Nepal live the Pathans, descendants of Pashtuns who came to the subcontinent centuries ago as soldiers and traders. They keep the name and the pride of their origin, but most now speak Urdu or Hindi and live mixed in with the local Muslim population.
The vast majority are Sunni Muslims (the largest branch of Islam), but a small part, in regions like the Kurram Valley in Pakistan, follow Shia Islam, the other major branch of the religion.
Where they are still unreached
27
Countries
90.6M
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Pakistan
|
60.7%
|
55.044.800 |
Afghanistan
|
19.4%
|
17.596.600 |
India
|
17.6%
|
15.972.700 |
United Arab Emirates
|
0.7%
|
620.000 |
Bangladesh
|
0.2%
|
195.000 |
Germany
|
0.2%
|
182.000 |
Saudi Arabia
|
0.2%
|
181.000 |
Iran
|
0.2%
|
176.000 |
United States
|
0.2%
|
157.000 |
United Kingdom
|
0.1%
|
105.000 |
Turkey
|
0.1%
|
100.000 |
Canada
|
0.1%
|
50.000 |
Sri Lanka
|
0%
|
45.000 |
Tajikistan
|
0%
|
42.400 |
France
|
0%
|
40.000 |
Sweden
|
0%
|
27.000 |
Netherlands
|
0%
|
17.000 |
Denmark
|
0%
|
13.000 |
Turkmenistan
|
0%
|
13.000 |
Belgium
|
0%
|
10.000 |
Nepal
|
0%
|
10.000 |
Australia
|
0%
|
10.000 |
Norway
|
0%
|
7.700 |
Switzerland
|
0%
|
7.100 |
Malaysia
|
0%
|
6.700 |
Russia
|
0%
|
5.400 |
Italy
|
0%
|
5.100 |
The 214 peoples in this cluster
+13
+1
+10
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
May the Pashtuns come to know Jesus, the God who welcomes the stranger and offers true peace.
For the families of Afghanistan and the Pakistan border, marked by decades of war, hunger and loss.
For Pashtun women and girls, that they may have access to education, healthcare and dignity.
For Pashtun workers who live far from home in the Gulf and in big cities, that they may find Christians who welcome them.
For the few Pashtuns who follow Jesus, that they may have courage, protection and the support of other believers.
May the Bible, audio and videos in Pashto reach the homes and phones of those who are searching for the truth.