Culture and Institutions (Tribes)

Throughout Pashtun history prophets, poets, kings and warriors have been the most revered members of society. The term 'Pakhto' or 'Pashto' from which they derive their name is not merely the name of their language, but synonymous with an honour code and religion known as Pakhtunwali. The main tenets of 'Pakhto' or formally known as Pakhtunwali are:

1. Hospitality and asylum to all guests seeking help.
2. Justice: Tooth for a Tooth.
3. Defense of 'Zan, Zar and Zameen' (Women/Family, Treasury and Property).
4. Personal Independence. Pashtuns are fiercely independent and there is a lot of internal competition.

Most decisions in tribal life are made by a 'Jirga' or 'Senate' of elected elders and wise men. However, Pashtun society is also marked by its matriarchal tendencies. Folktales involving reverence for Pashtun mothers and matriarchs are common and are passed down from parent to child, as most Pashtun heritage, through a rich oral tradition. However, some historians believe that the name Pakhtun has its origin in Pactyan, the name of an ancient Iranian tribe that lived in the Persian Satrapy Arachosia.

The Pashtuns are predominantly a tribal people, however, increasing numbers now dwell in cities and urban settlements. Many still identify themselves with various clans. More precisely, there are several levels of organization: the tabar (tribe) is subdivided into kinship groups each of which is a khel. The khel in turn is divided into smaller groups (pllarina or plarganey), each of which consists of several extended families or kahols. "A large tribe often has dozens of sub-tribes whose members may see themselves as belonging to each, some, or all of the sub-tribes in different social situations (co-operative, competitive, confrontational) and identify with each accordingly."

Major Tribes are:

Yousafzai • Afridi • Awan • Bangash • Bhittani • Barakzai • Daulatzai • Dilazak • Gandapur • Ghilzai/Khilji • Jadoon • Kakar • Kuchi • Kundi • Kharoti • Khattak • Lodhi • Mashwanis • Mahsud • Marwat • Mohamedzai • Mohmand • Niazi • Orakzai • PopalZai • Swati • Shilmani/shalmani • Shinwari • Shitak • Tanoli • Tareens • Waziri.

Written by: Imran   From: Mingora   Veiwed: 1634 Times since Date:2005-09-10