Romani, Vlax in Pakistan






Largest Religion

Main Language


Introduction / History




What are Their Lives Like?


The Middle East Gypsies live scattered throughout Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, and Turkey. Most of them are nomads, wandering from region to region, and they depend on the people for their livelihood. It is common for Gypsies to have two or more specialized occupations. This makes it easier for them to adapt to a changing society's needs. When a region's people no longer need a Gypsy's particular skill, they move on to one that will.

When a Gypsy cannot adapt or change his occupation, he will settle down. Today, therefore, there are some Gypsy villages and communities in the Middle East. Some even live in the cities.


Gypsies have long been known for their abilities as musicians, singers, and dancers. They also hold a wide variety of other occupations. The men are skilled makers of sieves, drums, bird cages, and reed mats. They also entertain with animals, work as tinkers, or play music. The women peddle such things as cloth, shoes, kitchen utensils, or products made by the men. Many also sing and dance. Both men and women shear sheep, spin wool, and tell fortunes. Sadly, some of the women and children are forced to beg or even steal food as a means of survival.

Gypsy marriages usually take place between couples in their teens. Though polygyny (having more than one wife) is sometimes practiced, it is rare. The family unit is highly valued because each member is depended on for his financial contribution.

Typically, Gypsies have very unclean living habits due to their nomadic lifestyle. Sanitation and good hygiene are rarely practiced. Children are often poorly cared for; their hair hangs loosely and shoes are seldom worn. Their wagons or carts are used as living units and shops as well as for transportation, which contributes to their unsanitary lifestyle.


What are Their Beliefs?

The Middle East Gypsies are entirely Muslim and they follow the practices and beliefs of the Islamic faith. However, there are a few who have held on to the traditional beliefs of the Gypsies. For example, they believe that ghosts, lizards, and snakes are capable of harming humans. They also believe that men have the power to curse others by giving them the "evil eye," and that some people have the power to heal the sick.

What are Their Needs?

The unsanitary lifestyle of the Middle East Gypsies has created many physical needs. The quality of health care, nutrition, housing, and education is poor. Adequate educational opportunities must be provided in order to raise their standard of living.

Spiritually, the Islamic religion is very difficult to influence. Their nomadic lifestyle has made it very difficult for missionaries to reach them. Also, their reputation as beggars and thieves has made them undesirable candidates for outreach.

Most Gypsies have no Christian resources available to them. Christian workers are needed to teach them how to live lives pleasing to God.

Prayer Points


Profile Source:   Bethany World Prayer Center  

People Name General Romani, Vlax
People Name in Country Romani, Vlax
Population in Pakistan 19,000
World Population 1,197,000
Countries 32
Progress Scale 1.1
Least-Reached Yes
Unengaged or Unknown Yes
Indigenous Yes
Affinity Bloc Eurasian Peoples
People Cluster Romany
People Name General Romani, Vlax
Ethnic Code CNN25f
People ID 14567
Country Pakistan
Region Central Asia
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Romani, Vlax (19,000)
Romani, Vlax 19,000
Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible Portions Yes   (1930-1991)
New Testament Yes   (1984-1995)
Complete Bible No
Audio Bible Online
Format Resource
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching (GRN)
Audio Recordings Online New Testament (FCBH)
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio (Jesus Film Project)
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Romani, Vlax
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children (JF Project)
Text / Printed Matter Bible: Romané New Testament
Text / Printed Matter World Missionary Press Booklets

Major Religion Percent
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
0.00 %
100.00 %
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
0.00 %
Photo Source: Frank Starmer   Creative Commons  
Map Source: Bethany World Prayer Center  
Profile Source: Bethany World Prayer Center  
Data Sources: Data is compiled from various sources. Read more
Get Involved
Register ministry activity for this group
