Afridi

Afridi is a Pashtun tribal group, part of the broader Pashtun ethnolinguistic community native to the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. Members traditionally speak Pashto and practice Islam. Like many Pashtun tribes, Afridi society has a tribal structure and cultural code known as Pashtunwali, with dispute resolution historically conducted through jirgas (councils).

Geography and demographics: The Afridi are concentrated in the northwestern region of Pakistan, especially in the Tirah Valley and surrounding areas of the former Khyber Agency, now part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Smaller communities are found in adjacent districts and among the Pashtun diaspora in Pakistani cities. The tribe’s presence is closely linked to the tribal governance and security landscape of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas prior to its 2018 integration into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Culture and social organization: Afridi society is clan-based, with lineages and sub-tribal groups forming the basis of communal life, marriage networks, and local leadership. The jirga system continues to play a role in resolving disputes and maintaining customary law, alongside formal state institutions in the post-FATA era.

History: The Afridi have a history rooted in the frontier regions of what is now Pakistan. They participated in broader regional resistance during British-era campaigns, including the Tirah Campaign of 1897–1898. In recent decades, the Afridi area has been affected by security operations and development efforts associated with Pakistan’s border regions and the integration of FATA into KP.

Notable people: The name Afridi is widely used as a surname among members of the tribe. One of the best-known individuals with this surname is Shahid Afridi, a prominent Pakistani cricketer.