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Do Pakistanis have same DNA as Indians?

Published in Genetics and Ancestry 2 mins read

While Pakistanis and Indians don't have identical DNA (as no two unrelated individuals do), they share a significant amount of genetic similarity due to shared ancestry and geographical proximity.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Shared Ancestry: The populations of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have a complex and interconnected history. This shared history means that there has been gene flow between these populations for millennia.

  • Genetic Clustering: Genetic studies, such as those examining X chromosome STR markers, show that South Asians (including Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis) cluster closely together genetically. These studies also suggest a closer relationship to Europeans than to some other Asian populations.

  • Not Identical, but Similar: While there is considerable overlap in the gene pool, distinct population subgroups within India and Pakistan exist. These subgroups may have subtle genetic differences due to factors like endogamy (marriage within a specific group), geographical isolation, and founder effects.

  • Individual Variation: It is crucial to remember that within any population, there is individual genetic variation. Two individuals from the same village might have more or less genetic similarity than two individuals chosen at random from across the entire subcontinent.

In conclusion, Pakistanis and Indians share substantial genetic similarities reflecting their shared history and geographical proximity, but their DNA is not identical due to individual and subgroup variations.

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