Day 5 -The Tribal Territories of Pakistan

The Pashtuns of Pakistan’s tribal belt (and of rural Afghanistan) are stereotypical of the “traditional Pashtun”.  The tribal belt is a mountainous area along the Afghan border encompassing 7 districts with a combined population of more than 3 million, nearly 100% of whom are Pashtun and staunchly Muslim.  Traditionally they made a living by highway robbery.  Today both legal and illegal trade forms the basis of the economy of this region.

 What makes these Pashtuns different is their preservation of Pashtun traditions.  Tribal Pashtuns accept no law except Pashtunwali, an unwritten law that has been etched in the hearts and minds of its people for generations.  It requires that a man be prepared to kill to maintain his honor.  Practices such as taking revenge, hospitality, and the “protection” of women are major aspects of Pashtunwali.  Women are heavily sheltered from non-related men by a custom known as purdah.  In some places a young wife must cover her face even in the presence of her father-in-law.  Girls are allowed to go to school, if at all, until fourth or fifth grade, after which they must remain in seclusion.  Life is harsh and tough, not only on women but on men as well.

 Pray that: 

• God will raise up people to champion the cause of these un-reached areas, by mobilizing prayer and resources, so that all Pashtuns might have the opportunity to worship Christ.
• Endless cycles of violence will be broken and Pashtunwali will be tempered by the law of Christ.
• The gospel will reach behind the veil and will bring hope to heavily sheltered women.

 

Isaiah 61:1 He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.