People Group Profiles

“All nations will come and worship before you."

- Revelations 15:4

Punjabi of North America


People Group Info

Total Population: 304,150

ROP3 Code: 108182
IMB Affinity Group: South Asian Peoples
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
People Cluster: Punjabi
Language: Panjabi - (pan)
Religion: Islam - Sunni
Country of Origin: Pakistan

Majority Located Where

  Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC - 4,500

  Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC - 3,500

  Greensboro-High Point, NC - 3,500

  Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL - 1,000

  Asheville, NC - 400

Click here to recommend other locations where this People Group resides.

Learn More

Brief Profile

The Punjabi people of Pakistan should not be confused with Punjabi people from the Punjab province in India who predominantly adhere to Sikhism. Whereas, the Punjabi of Pakistan are predominantly Islamic. Religion is a major part of Pakistan and Punjabi people. They have been exposed to Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Buddishism, and Christianity to name a few. The people are not cut off from other religious views. However, predominately they adhere to Islam and practice Sharia Law according to the Qu’ran.

Generally, the Punjabi culture does not value personal space like Westerners. Therefore, during conversation they may talk very closely to a person. It is essential that one not back away as this is see as a sign of rudeness and disrespect.

Animistic worship sometimes plays a huge part in their day to day life. Clerics and imams are seen as giving blessings or hold great wisdom. As a result, Punjabi seek them out for spiritual guidance.

Prayer Points

  • Pray God will working in the lives of Punjabi people to understand and receive the message of God's free gift of salvation.
  • Pray God will work via dreams and evangelical Christians to understand the message of Jesus Christ.
  • Pray Christians will take the initiative to form relationships with Punjabi sharing the message of Christ through their lifestyle and word.


People Group Resources

Bible.is - Panjabi
The written Bible in Punjabi and other languages.

Jesus Film in Panjabi
JESUS Film streaming or downloadable movie in Panjabi.

Jesus Film Project - Magdalena in Panjabi
Punjabi version of the Mary Magdalena film. Very powerful among women.

Who Can Help You?
Music video in Punjabi pointing to answers in Jesus.


Learning Resources

Learn more about "Any-3"
Any–3 provides biblical principles and practical steps that have equipped hundreds of Christians to witness confidently and effectively. Over the past decade, thousands of Muslims have been engaged with the gospel.

Learn more about "Learning Paths"
Online Courses for embracing, encountering and engaging diaspora people. Work at your own pace. Begin anytime and complete the course according to your schedule. Interactive, Hands-On Application.

Learn more about "Reaching the Nations"
This book delineates five disciplines Christians should develop in order to effectively reach the nations. More specifically, it will guide Christians to develop an engagement strategy in their locale.

Loving Muslims Small Group Study
This Loving Muslims booklet is a two-week group study that takes a deeper look at Christ’s command to "love our neighbor."

World Religions - Beliefs Overview
An overview of major world religions and cults - their beliefs and practices.

Overview of Islam
Overview of Islam and its sub-groupings. Developed by the North American Mission Board, SBC. Includes generalized witnessing tips.


Other Resources

Prayer Guide for Unreached Peoples
A 30 day guide to pray for unreached people groups.

Online Talking Bible - Punjabi
The purpose of Talking Bibles is to give non-readers and the blind access to the Bible in their native language.

Prayer Guide using the GOSPELS acronym
A prayer guide that utilizes the acronym GOSPELS to pray for workers among diaspora.

Displaying 1-6 of 6 results.
Country City Metro Area Name State / Prov. Baseline Population
United StatesCharlotteCharlotte-Concord-GastoniaNC4,500
United StatesGreensboroGreensboro-High PointNC3,500
United StatesCaryRaleigh-Durham-Chapel HillNC3,500
United StatesOrland ParkChicago-Naperville-ElginIL1,000
United StatesAshevilleAshevilleNC400
United StatesBirminghamBirmingham-HooverAL200