Ghilzai

The Ghilzai (also spelled Ghilzai or Gilzai) are a major Pashtun tribal confederation and one of the largest groupings within the Pashtun people. They are traditionally associated with southern Afghanistan and the neighboring regions of Pakistan, including Kandahar, Helmand, Zabul, Ghazni, Paktia, and parts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The confederation comprises numerous subtribes and clans, with membership typically traced through patrilineal lines. Notable subtribes historically associated with the Ghilzai include the Hotak, Suleiman Khel, Alizai, and Ishaqzai, among others, though exact compositions vary by source and over time.

Historically, the Ghilzai rose to prominence in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were a leading force in the Hotak dynasty, founded by Ahmad Shah Hotak, which challenged regional powers in present-day Afghanistan and Iran. The Ghilzai subsequently played a major role in the establishment of the Durrani Empire in the mid-18th century. The confederation has at times been in tension with other Pashtun groups and with central authorities, but has also formed alliances to influence regional politics and governance.

In modern times, Ghilzai communities have continued to be active in Afghanistan’s political and military affairs and have been affected by decades of conflict, shifting governance, and regional instability. Social life within Ghilzai communities commonly follows Pashtunwali, the traditional code of conduct, and relies on jirgas or councils to resolve disputes and manage collective interests.

The Ghilzai remain a significant component of the ethnopolitical landscape in Afghanistan and adjacent areas, reflecting a long-standing tradition of tribal organization and regional influence.