Pashtuns

Pashtuns
Group	Pashtuns
Native name	پښتانه
Caption	Pashtun children in Kandahar
Population	c. 50–60 million
Region1	Afghanistan
Pop1	Approx. 42% of population
Region2	Pakistan
Pop2	Approx. 15% of population
Languages	Pashto
Religions	Predominantly Sunni Islam
Related groups	Other Iranian peoples

Pashtuns. Also historically known as Afghans or Pathans, they are an Eastern Iranian ethnic group primarily inhabiting the region of Pashtunistan, which spans southern Afghanistan and northwestern Pakistan. They are traditionally characterized by a strong tribal social structure, a code of honor known as Pashtunwali, and adherence to Sunni Islam of the Hanafi school. Their history is deeply intertwined with the geopolitics of South Asia and Central Asia, having established significant empires such as the Durrani Empire and playing pivotal roles in regional conflicts including the Anglo-Afghan Wars and the Soviet–Afghan War.

History

The early history is complex, with possible connections to ancient tribes referenced in Avestan and Greco-Bactrian sources. The Ghaznavids and Ghurids, though not exclusively, saw significant participation in their military expansions into the Indian subcontinent. The Lodi dynasty and the Sur Empire established rule in Delhi, while the Hotak dynasty briefly held power in Isfahan after revolting against the Safavid dynasty. The modern Afghan state was fundamentally shaped by Ahmad Shah Durrani, who founded the Durrani Empire in 1747, with his descendants ruling until the Saur Revolution. They fiercely resisted the British Raj during the First Anglo-Afghan War, Second Anglo-Afghan War, and Third Anglo-Afghan War. More recently, the Mujahideen factions, including those led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and the Taliban movement, were central to the Soviet–Afghan War and subsequent civil conflicts.

Demographics and distribution

Constituting the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan, they form a plurality and are concentrated in a southern arc from Herat through Kandahar to Nangarhar. In Pakistan, they are the second-largest ethnic group, predominantly residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Significant diaspora communities exist in the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, often stemming from waves of migration due to the Soviet–Afghan War and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). Major urban centers with large populations include Kabul, Peshawar, Quetta, and Karachi.

Culture and society

Social organization is traditionally based on the Pashtun tribal system, with major confederations like the Durrani and Ghilji and tribes such as the Yusufzai and Afridi. The foundational cultural code is Pashtunwali, which emphasizes Nanawatai (asylum), Badal (justice), and Melmastia (hospitality). Traditional music includes the Attan dance and instruments like the rubab, while poetry is highly revered, with figures like Khushal Khattak and Rahman Baba being iconic. The Jirga is a key assembly for conflict resolution and decision-making. Gender roles are often conservative, with practices like Purda observed in many communities.

Language

The native language is Pashto, an Eastern Iranian language within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It is written in the Pashto alphabet, a modified form of the Persian alphabet, and has two main dialects: Southern (or Kandahari) and Northern (or Peshawari). It is one of the two official languages of Afghanistan and a provincial language in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Significant literary works include the poetry of Khushal Khattak and the compiled verses of Rahman Baba. Many are bilingual or multilingual, also speaking Dari, Urdu, or English.

Genetics

Genetic studies indicate they are a predominantly Iranian population with a complex admixture. They show strong genetic ties to other South Asian ethnic groups and populations in Central Asia, reflecting the region's history as a crossroads. Specific haplogroups common in Western Asia, such as R1a and J2, are found at appreciable frequencies. Research from institutions like the Wellcome Sanger Institute suggests their genetic structure has been shaped by migrations along the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Hindu Kush mountains, with varying influences from Steppe pastoralists and early Indus Valley farmers.

Notable people

Historical rulers and founders include Ahmad Shah Durrani, Sher Shah Suri, and Mirwais Hotak. Modern political and military figures encompass former Afghan monarchs like Amanullah Khan, presidents such as Ashraf Ghani, and leaders like Hamid Karzai. Key figures in the Soviet–Afghan War and Taliban include Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, Jalaluddin Haqqani, and Mullah Omar. Influential cultural and literary icons are the poets Khushal Khattak and Rahman Baba. Contemporary personalities from various fields include cricketer Imran Khan, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, and singer Aryana Sayeed.

Category:Ethnic groups in Afghanistan Category:Ethnic groups in Pakistan Category:Indo-Iranian peoples