Pakhtunkhwas

Pakhtunkhwas refer to the people of Pakhtunkhwa, primarily the Pashtuns. The term reflects the ethnolinguistic identity of Pashto-speaking communities whose traditional territory spans parts of present-day eastern Afghanistan and northwestern Pakistan. Pakhtunkhwa means “land of the Pashtuns” in Pashto.

Core territory overlaps the eastern part of Afghanistan and the northwestern border areas of Pakistan. The principal language is Pashto, though many dialects exist within different tribes and regions.

Social organization centers on tribes and clans. Prominent tribal confederations include Yusufzai, Afridi, Mohmand, Durrani, and Ghilzai. Pashtunwali, a customary code of conduct emphasizing hospitality, honor, and asylum, shapes social norms. Poetry and oral storytelling—such as tappa and landay—are notable cultural forms. Islam is the dominant religion, with regional variations in practice and ritual.

Historically, the region was part of British India and later known in Pakistan as the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP). In 2010, it was renamed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reflecting a shift to a native toponym. The Pakhtunkhwas have played significant roles in regional politics, security, and migrations, influencing and being influenced by broader Afghan-Pakistani dynamics.

Today, Pakhtunkhwas populate Pakistan, Afghanistan, and diaspora communities in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Contemporary issues include development disparities, security concerns, and ongoing efforts to balance traditional customs with modernization and rights-based reform.