Day 3 - Settled Pashtuns 

The Pashtuns of Pakistan probably number between 15 and 20 million people, out of which about 12 million live in the “settled areas” of the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP).  These Pashtuns are considered “settled” because they have generally left the traditional Pashtun tribal system and its harsh way of life.

As opposed to tribal Pashtuns, the settled Pashtuns are generally better educated, better informed, and somewhat more open to outside influences.  The settled Pashtuns are integrated fairly well into Pakistani society, and therefore, have some access to the gospel through Urdu and English media. 

Although their society is relatively “open”, they still adhere to many aspects of traditional Pashtun life.  Pakhtunwali, the Pashtun honor code, is prevalent among settled Pashtuns, but it has been moderated somewhat by Pakistani civil society.  Islam is still fundamental to the life of the settled Pashtun.  Though settled Pashtuns who openly follow Christ are persecuted and ostracized, they are less likely to be killed than in “tribal areas”, or in the Pashtun provinces of Afghanistan.   

Most women still remain sheltered in homes, although more and more women are getting a university education and some are allowed to work in select fields such as education and medical work.

Pray that: 

• The relative openness of “settled” society will translate into spiritual hunger and opportunities for God’s people to communicate the message of Christ.
• The few secret believers among the settled Pashtuns will grow in maturity, share with extended family members and trust in God as their material provider.
• God will open up new strategies for reaching people in both urban and rural areas.

 

Isaiah 45: 5-6 I have prepared you, even though you do not know me, so that all the world, from east to west will know there is no other God.