Table of Contents
Maternal Genetic Heritage of Pakistan: Insights from Makrani and Kalashi Populations
Last Updated: August 12, 2025
Introduction
Every person’s DNA carries a story — not just of who they are, but where they come from. In Pakistan, the Makrani of Balochistan and the Kalashi of Chitral are two ethnic groups with strikingly different maternal genetic histories.
By analyzing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) — passed exclusively from mother to child — researchers can trace maternal ancestry back thousands of years. This post explores a detailed academic study of both populations, uncovering African, Eurasian, and South Asian roots through haplogroup analysis.
Thesis Excerpt & Analysis
“Based on identified haplotypes, the Makranis showed admixed mtDNA pool consisting of African haplogroups (28%), West Eurasian haplogroups (26%), South Asian haplogroups (24%), and East Asian haplogroups (2%)” (p. ii).
“In Kalashi population, the dominating haplogroups were West Eurasians (98.2%) while a small proportion (0.9%) of South Asians were also observed” (p. ii).
Makrani Maternal Heritage
- African Influence: “The high frequency of African mtDNA haplogroups in Makranis shows their origin with major genetic contribution from Mozambique Bantu… and Fulani people of West-Central Africa” (p. ii).
This points to centuries of African presence along the Makran coast, brought through maritime trade and the African slave trade. - Mixed Origins: South and West Eurasian haplogroups also feature prominently, showing sustained contact with Persian, Arab, and South Asian populations.
- Genetic Diversity: “The high genetic diversity (0.9688) and high power of discrimination (0.9592)… reflects intense gene flow in the Makrani population” (p. ii).
Kalashi Maternal Heritage
- West Eurasian Dominance: “The highest contribution of western Eurasian haplogroups in this population is due to their maternal lineages… no evidence of East or South Asian lineages has been reported” (p. 4).
This reflects possible ancient migrations from Central and Eastern Europe, reinforced by geographic isolation in the Hindu Kush. - Low Diversity: “Extremely low genetic diversity (0.8393)… and higher probability match between two random individuals (0.168)” (p. ii).
Such genetic uniformity is often found in small, isolated communities practicing endogamy.
Comparative Genetic Profiles
| Population | African Haplogroups | West Eurasian Haplogroups | South Asian Haplogroups | Diversity Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makrani | 28% | 26% | 24% | 0.9688 |
| Kalashi | 0% | 98.2% | 0.9% | 0.8393 |
Why mtDNA Matters for Heritage Studies
- Maternal Line Tracing: Shows migration routes and genetic mixing over time.
- Cultural Insights: Confirms oral histories and historical trade connections.
- Forensic Uses: Helps in identification when nuclear DNA is degraded.
Conclusion
The maternal genetic heritage of Pakistan’s Makrani and Kalashi communities reveals two different evolutionary journeys — one shaped by cultural mixing along a global trade hub, the other preserved through centuries of isolation. Together, they highlight the diverse and complex ancestry within Pakistan’s borders.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Some sentences have been lightly edited for SEO and readability. For the full, original research, please refer to the complete thesis PDF linked in the section above.
Source & Citations
Thesis Title: Genetic Characterization of Mitochondrial DNA in Makrani and Kalashi Population from Pakistan
Researcher: Muhammad Hassan Siddiqi
Guide (Supervisor): Prof. Dr. Tanveer Akhtar
University: University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Year of Compilation: 2014
Excerpt Page Numbers: ii, 4, 56–74
Author Bio
Muhammad Hassan Siddiqi, PhD, is a Pakistani zoologist and population geneticist specializing in mitochondrial DNA analysis, human evolutionary genetics, and forensic anthropology. His work has provided key insights into the genetic diversity of South Asian ethnic groups.
Which story of ancestry resonates more with you — the Makrani’s diverse heritage or the Kalashi’s preserved lineage? Share your views below.
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