Pathans

Pathans, or Pashtuns, are an Indo-Iranian ethnic group native to Afghanistan and Pakistan, with significant diasporas abroad. They are concentrated in eastern and southern Afghanistan and in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan, though communities exist across the region. Their language is Pashto, which has several dialects, and many Pashtuns are bilingual, speaking Dari, Urdu, or other regional languages.

Social organization is traditionally tribal. The Pashtun population is divided into numerous tribes and sub-tribes with shared genealogies. The Pashtunwali code, a customary moral system, emphasizes hospitality, asylum for guests, protection of kin, and personal honor. Local governance often rests with tribal elders, maliks, or khans, who coordinate with state authorities in many areas.

Historically, Pashtuns founded several polities in the 18th century, most notably the Durrani Empire established by Ahmad Shah Durrani, which created a base for a broad Afghan state. In colonial and post-colonial times, Pashtuns were a major political and military presence in both Afghanistan and what became Pakistan. The Durand Line of 1893 formalized a border dividing Pashtun lands into Afghanistan and Pakistan, shaping regional politics for decades.

Culture is marked by Pashto literature and a rich tradition of poetry and storytelling. Traditional dress includes the shalwar kameez; many men wear the pakol or other regional caps. Cultural practices vary by tribe and province, but hospitality and oral history are common themes across communities.

Demographics estimates of the global Pashtun population run in the tens of millions. In Afghanistan, Pashtuns constitute a substantial portion of the population; in Pakistan, they are a significant minority concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of Balochistan. They also form sizable communities in Iran and in the Gulf states, Europe, and North America.