Tarkhan (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan
Photo Source:
Naveed Akhtar
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Map Source:
People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Tarkhan (Muslim traditions) |
| Country: | Pakistan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 3,226,000 |
| World Population: | 3,244,000 |
| Primary Language: | Punjabi, Western |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| 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
Traditionally they were given the status of low-caste artisans such as carpenters. Eventually they made their mark on Pakistani society as soldiers.
Where Are they Located?
The Tarkhan people live in the northeastern part of Pakistan's Punjab Province. Some of them have decided to migrate to the major cities of Pakistan, such as Karachi, Islamabad, etc. Others have decided to migrate to the Gulf Arab states to work. A few of them have already migrated to Europe (most notably the United Kingdom), North America or Australia. Those who live in the United Kingdom might not be aware that they are Tarkhan, because most of them are third generation Tarkhan.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They speak Punjabi, the language of Punjab Province. Some Tarkhans have managed to rise to the top in all they do, whether they are landowning farmers, scientists, engineers, or doctors. They are involved in all kinds of trades in Pakistan. Among the Tarkhan who live in the United Kingdom, many of them are taxi drivers.
What Are Their Beliefs?
In Pakistan all of them follow Sunni Islam. Few can read the Koran, but their understanding of the teachings of Islam come from their local religious leaders.
What Are Their Needs?
The Tarkhan people of Pakistan need the opportunity to hear that Jesus Christ is the only one who can forgive sins. They are among the 7,000 unreached people group, almost all of whom live and die without having the chance to find that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
Prayer Points
Pray for rising literacy rates within the Tarkhan community, and for the necessary skills to make them more employable in the modern world.
Pray for the Tarkhan people to be given the blessings of spiritual hunger and discernment that will lead them to seek and find Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to go to them and remain until there are believers who can disciple their entire people group.