Pashtuns (also knows as Pukhtuns or Pathans) are a tribal group of over 60 million living in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In addition, many live and work throughout the Middle East as contract workers. Pashtuns are warrior-romantics; fierce in defense of their honor, yet enjoying music, poetry, and flowers.
Linguistic and cultural differences separate the Pashtuns of Pakistan from those of Afghanistan and also distinguish one tribe from another. However, Pashtuns agree that adherence to orthodox Sunni Islam, and strict observance of Pashto religious-cultural codes, are common to all. A strong sense of perceived religious purity separates Pashtuns from other religions, including Christianity.
Thankfully, there is a small number of Pashtuns who faithfully follow Christ. Among them are those who are reaching out with the Word of God to their own people. Believers translate and distribute the Word of God in print, audio, and video. For this generation, the Bible in Pakistani Pashto was published in 2019, and the New Testament in Afghan Pashto in 2023. Those with a laptop or smartphone can access the Scriptures in four major dialects of Pashto through Pashtozeray.org, afghanbibles.org and the Prophets Stories App. The Pashtun love of poetry makes the Psalms and Proverbs especially popular.
As religious extremism prevents most believers from meeting in person, connection online for Bible study is an important way by which Pashtuns can interact with God’s Word.
Recently, several believers met online to talk about charity, fasting and prayer—the traditional means of earning treasure in heaven. On hearing what the Bible teaches, one man responded, “Our hearts have been enlightened by hearing God’s word! We believe in this holy Word.”
How to Pray
- Pray that isolated Pashtun believers would receive comfort and instruction from God’s Spirit.
- Pray for the translation and distribution of Scripture resources in the various dialects of Pashto and for Pashtun to come to faith in Jesus.
- Pray for efforts to disciple Pashtun believers and for the training and emergence of Godly church leaders.
Gracias