Gabare in Pakistan

Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Gabare
Country: Pakistan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 9,400
World Population: 9,400
Primary Language: Hindko, Southern
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Portions
Ministry Resources: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Gbare people have a unique and lesser-known history in Pakistan. They settled in various regions of South Asia over centuries, but they are most likely to be found in northern Pakistan. They speak the Southern Hindko language. The Gbare have managed to preserve aspects of their cultural heritage while adapting to their new environment in Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Gbare people live primarily in urban and semi-urban areas, where they work in various trades and occupations. Many Gbare engage in manual labor, small-scale trade and service industry jobs to support their families.

They value strong family bonds and community support, often coming together for cultural and social gatherings. Economic challenges persist, but the Gbare strive to improve their living conditions and ensure their children receive an education.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Gbare people practice Islam, which plays a central role in their daily lives. They observe Sunni Islamic traditions, including the five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and celebrating Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Their religious practices and community life revolve around local mosques, where they gather for worship and spiritual guidance. Faith and spirituality significantly influence their values and way of life. Like most South Asian Muslims, the Gbare people depend on local spirits for their daily needs instead of Allah, the God of Islam.

What Are Their Needs?

The Gbare community faces several challenges, including limited access to quality education, healthcare and economic opportunities. Many families live in poverty, struggling to improve their living standards. They need better educational resources and infrastructure to ensure their children can obtain an adequate education. Reliable healthcare services are also crucial, along with initiatives that create sustainable economic opportunities to uplift their community.

Prayer Points

Pray for peace in their land; insurgents sometimes emerge in their part of Pakistan.
Pray for Gabare people to have the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find Jesus Christ despite community pressure to conform.
Pray for loving and committed workers to go to them with the gospel of peace.
Pray for Gabare disciples to make more disciples to live like Jesus wants us to live.

Text Source:   Joshua Project