Who Are the Baloch?
The Baloch are an ancient semi-nomadic tribal people who eventually settled across Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Afghan Baloch — the Western Baloch — live primarily in four southern provinces: Helmand, Nimruz, Farah and Kandahar, where daily life is routinely disrupted by Taliban presence.
Their national language, Balochi, remained unwritten until about 150 years ago. An honour code called Baluchmayar, passed down through songs and poetry, governs principles of integrity, hospitality, mercy and honour across all tribes.
Although now largely Sunni Muslim, their rich oral tradition of storytelling and poetry remains a vibrant thread in Baloch culture. Since few can read or write, they are more likely to hold low-status jobs — and Gospel engagement requires creative, culturally appropriate approaches.
