About 150-200 years ago a very small group of Khattars settled near/in Kabul, Afghanistan, as traders. They have assimilated with the local population. Most of the Khattars speak Punjabi dialects although some also use Pahari and Urdu/Hindi.
In historical terms, 'Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan' (1892-1942) a prominent Punjabi politician, is the best-known representative of this tribe. He belonged to the famous 'Hayat Family' of Wah. Over the last 50-60 years, the tribe, especially its main/chief families in Pakistan, have intermarried with Kashmiri and Pushtun families.
Around 68% of the Khattars are found in the 3 districts of Pakistan's North Punjab, i.e. Rawalpindi, Attock and Chakwa. In addition, there are some populations in Jhang and Layyah districts in Southern and Central Punjab.
About two thirds of the Khattars are rural cultivators, mostly small land holders but there are also large landowners amongst them. In North/Pakistani Punjab, a fair number of them are civil servants or soldiers.
Urban Khattar populations are rather scattered, mostly settlers from the rural areas. In Pakistan they are mostly in Rawalpindi and Lahore cities; whilst in India, in Delhi, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Bareilly, Agra and some other cities.
In Pakistan, almost all Khattars are devout Sunni Muslims. Those in India are mostly Hindus with a smaller population of Sikhs.
The Khattars are a prominent people in Punjab, and generally well off, except for the very smallest land-holders or tenant farmers. Their general condition would also greatly improve with the availability of water resources in their main areas in Pakistani Punjab; and with greater access to primary and secondary and vocational education.
Pray the Khattars may see the light and be brought into God s blessed kingdom.
Pray for Khatter disciples who will make more disciples.
Pray they may move away from their sometimes violent ways towards peace, love and tolerance.
Scripture Prayers for the Khattar in Pakistan.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
