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Haplogroup Q-F1251

Q-F1251 (Iran–Pakistan transitional lineage)

Macro-haplogroup

Parent clade

Q-M378

Formed (estimate)

c. 8,000–11,000 years before present

TMRCA (estimate)

c. 3,500–6,000 years ago

F1251

Overview

Q-F1251 is a downstream branch of Q-M378 widely represented in populations along the Iran–Pakistan macro-region. This lineage reflects demographic layers associated with the eastern Iranian Plateau, Baluchistan, the Makran corridor and parts of northwest India. Its presence correlates strongly with Bronze Age and early Iron Age population movements linked to Indo-Iranian expansions, trade networks and pastoralist interactions across southeastern Iran and western South Asia.

Geographic distribution

Most common among Baluchi, Brahui, Pashtun, Persian, and some north Indian groups. Also found in eastern Iranian plateau populations and in smaller frequencies among Afghan highland communities. Distribution matches historical east–west mobility corridors between Iran and South Asia.

Ancient DNA

Ancient remains from the Helmand and Dasht-e Lut cultural horizons show paternal patterns compatible with F1251-related ancestry.
Temporal range agrees with Bronze Age expansions along the Iran–Pakistan interface.
Genetic structure suggests admixture between Iranian Plateau agricultural groups and South Asian early pastoralist communities.

Phylogeny & subclades

Q-F1251 includes several regionally clustered shallow branches, reflecting local founder effects and long-term population continuity in Baluchistan and eastern Iran.

Q-F1251*

Notes & context