Pashtuns

Pashtuns, also called Pathans in some English usage, are an ethnic group native to the Pashtun region along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. They primarily speak Pashto, an Indo-Iranian language, with Northern and Southern dialects. The population is concentrated in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with sizable diasporas in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. The term Pashtun is used in most academic and local contexts; Pathan has historical usage in English.

Most Pashtuns live in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with major populations in eastern and southern Afghanistan and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. They are organized into tribes and clans, with large confederations such as the Durrani and Ghilzai in Afghanistan, and numerous tribes including Yusufzai, Afridi, Mohmand, and Shinwari in Pakistan.

Pashtunwali, a traditional code of conduct, guides personal conduct and community relations. Core elements include hospitality to guests, protection of guests and women, and the emphasis on personal honor and collective responsibility. Disputes are often settled through jirgas, or tribal councils.

Religion: The majority are Muslim, predominantly Sunni of the Hanafi school; there are smaller Shia communities among Pashtuns in certain regions. The Pashto language is the principal linguistic marker; literacy and education vary across regions.

History and modern context: Pashtuns have played a prominent role in the history of both Afghanistan and Pakistan, including the formation of the Durrani Empire and the development of modern Afghan statehood. In the 20th century, Pashtun nationalism and regional politics shaped state borders and conflicts. In recent decades, Pashtun regions have been affected by armed conflict and security operations, while diaspora communities maintain cultural links.