Pashtun Research Articles

The Study of Segregation and its Consequences in the Kabul City

This study investigates urban segregation in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, utilizing a multifaceted theoretical framework that integrates various explanatory models of segregation. The research targets the general population of Kabul, with a sample size of 233 individuals selected through a non-probabilistic cluster sampling technique. Data were collected using a comprehensive questionnaire focused on the Afghan context, incorporating insights from relevant studies. The analysis was conducted using SPSS software, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Demographic characteristics and participant responses in ethnically dominated areas were summarized using frequencies and percentages, while key variables were examined using measures of central tendency, dispersion, and distribution, including mean, standard deviation, variance, skewness, and kurtosis. The segregation tendencies of Kabul residents were analyzed using T-test, ANOVA and Spearman correlation. The results reveal a pronounced level of segregation within Kabul, with significant implications including the reinforcement of ethnocentric attitudes, the preservation of distinct subcultural identities, enhanced feelings of community security, and increased intra-group political and social engagement. The study found that followers of Shia Islam tend to segregate themselves from other religious groups, while the Pashtun ethnic group shows the lowest tendency toward segregation. Additionally, Kabul citizens tend to live among their own religious groups and the lower the level of education of individuals, the greater their tendency to separation.

Social Reforms and Political Activism Unpacking the Dual Role of Khudai Khidmatgar Movement

This article examines the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement, led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan popularly known as Fakhr-i-Afghan Bacha khan, which played a pivotal role in social reform and political activism in colonial India. Founded in 1929, the movement adopted non-violent resistance to British rule while also addressing deep-rooted social issues within Pashtun society, such as factionalism, illiteracy, poverty, social and gender discrimination and blood feuds. Implying indegounious values, knowledge and tools, Ghaffar Khan promoted education, unity, and peaceful coexistence among his people, challenging the British narrative of Pashtuns as inherently violent. The article explores how the movement, initially focused on socio-educational reforms, evolved into a powerful force advocating for Indian independence, aligning with other non-violent movements like those led by Gandhi. Despite significant obstacles from the British and local elites, the Khudai Khidmatgar gained mass support, with over 100,000 members at its peak. The article highlights the movement’s transformative impact on Pashtun society and its contributions to the broader anti-colonial struggle, positioning it as a significant yet underappreciated chapter in South Asian history. This articles has relied on both primamry and secondary data for qualitative analysis, with most reliance on primary sorces of data collection. For this purpose, extensive interviews were conducted.

Comparative Analysis of Jirga System as a Socio- Cultural Heritage in the Pre and Post Militancy in Swat

This paper evaluates the Jirga's significance as a socio-cultural legacy in Swat District and considers how militancy has affected its evolution. By comparing the pre- and post-militancy eras, the study employs a qualitative research methodology to investigate how conflict affects an established institution (jirga). In the pre – militancy, jirga served as revered and respected institution in district Swat. But the Taliban insurgency targeted many formal and informal institutions in the region, including jirga. They created a system of their own which diminished the effectiveness of jirga system. Most of the elders and leaders of a jirga system were killed and some were kidnapped in the region. This research study is conducted in District Swat through qualitative research methodology. The data was collected from 13 participants through in-depth interview. The collected data was then analyzed by thematic analysis. Moreover, the results show that militancy had a significant negative impact on the Jirga, a crucial institution in Pashtun society. Its initial cultural importance was lost as a result of changes made to its structure, role, and operating procedures by societal pressure and governmental compulsion rather than spontaneous change. In addition, the local population overwhelmingly resented the newly forced framework, and popular confidence in the Jirga declined. This brought attention to the conflict's wider societal repercussions by increasing insecurity and escalating domestic conflicts.x

INSTALLATIONS OF THE JUDICIAL SETUP IN THE NEWLY MERGED AREAS OF ERSTWHILE FATA: THE FUTURE OF JIRGA

The Pashtun Jirga, a traditional dispute resolution system, has historically played a crucial role in promoting peace and resolving conflicts within Pashtun communities. However, the recent installation of a formal judicial system in the merged areas of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan raises questions about the future of the Jirga. This study examines the significance of the Jirga in Pashtun society and analyses the potential impact of the new judicial system on its continued existence. The research concludes that the formal system has had minimal influence on the prevalence of the Jirga primarily due to two factors: The local population is accustomed to and trusts the traditional Jirga system. Certain complex cases in the region prove challenging for the formal system to handle effectively, necessitating the assistance of the Jirga. Based on these findings, the study recommends the coexistence of both the Jirga and the judicial system. This approach would enable the region to benefit from the strengths of both traditional and formal systems, ultimately contributing to lasting peace and security.

Abdullah Bakhtani’s Contributions to Pashto Drama: A Study of Sidhu Malang

In Pashto literature, Abdullah Bakhtani's narrative works have a notable and distinctive place. The author's narrative works, especially his tragedies (Sidhu Malang), give sharp criticism of immoral acts and behavior as well as important subjects relevant to modern society at large. His pieces provide vivid descriptions of the political struggle for social reforms that was going on at the time. Bakhtani draws inspiration from the Pashtun environment and only uses Pashtun characters in his story compositions. While faithfully portraying every aspect of Chersi's life, the drama "Sidhu Malang" sharply condemns the struggles that he faces. Young Pashtun people have come under fire and criticism for their disgusting and immoral behavior, which they have done in the name of self-expression and intoxication. The Sidhu Malang drama's structure complies with the essential rules of theater composition. In connection to other dramatic components, the action, characters, place, and time are all structured in a logical and cohesive way. The characters' words and deeds have the most significance. The play has been studied in great detail.

The Impacts of Secondary Education on Women Decision Making of Higher Education (A Case Study of Khyber Pakhtun Khwa, Pakistan)

Women's decision-making about the pursuit of their higher education has been found to be significantly influenced by their schooling. In this regard, this study investigates the complex influences of education on women's decision-making processes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, while they are thinking about pursuing higher education. It has long been understood that education is essential for achieving socioeconomic advancement and self-determination, especially for women who have historically faced obstacles in receiving a high-quality education. The nature of this research study is qualitative while the primary data has been gathered with the help of an interview guide, (FGDs) focus group discussion. Female students enrolled in secondary, post-secondary, and higher education programs at Swat comprised the targeted population. The study conclusions show that women's early educations play a major influence on their decision to pursue further education. Following secondary education, women acquire the capacity to make decisions regarding their further academic pursuits. Similar to how women decide which subjects to study, which subject to pursue as a graduate program, and which mentor and supervisor to work under. Furthermore, parents have a crucial role in helping daughters make decisions about continuing their education. Moreover, women are empowered to make decisions about their education because of family support and encouragement. On the other hand, societal perception has a significant impact in women's education. While urban culture values about girls' education since it strengthens their capacity for further study, rural society forbids females from pursuing higher education due to the conservative nature of its culture. Women also face difficulties in juggling their schooling with their family responsibilities, but they manage somehow as their early education gave them management skills. Furthermore, because to social and cultural constraints, the majority of women in Pashtun society are not permitted to pursue higher education outside. The ratio of male to female literacy is not equal. The study strongly suggests that the media should play its role in raising awareness and launching campaigns regarding education for all, high-quality education, hiring more female teachers, requiring teacher training, and community involvement in education promotion in order to close the achievement gap and further raise women's literacy levels.

Pashtunwali: An Afghan Ethical Code and Cultural Identity in Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell

The Pashtuns and their identity have been misrepresentedover the past decades. These people are represented as ferocious, uncivilized, and anarchistic. Such falsification ruined the otherwise old set of principles of Pashtun people known as Pashtunwali. This study aims to discuss the ideas of Pashtunwali in Marcus Luttrell's Lone Survivor through the theory of cultural studies by Stuart Hall. Pashtunwali, otherwise called Pakhtunwali or the Pashtun code of conduct, is a conventional moral code and lifestyle followed by the Pashtun people for centuries. Marcus Luttrell experiences the working of Pashtunwali in his stay at an Afghan village Sabray, while hiding from the Taliban. Through this autobiographical narrative, the researcher will analyze how the concept of Pashtunwali governs the lives of Pashtun people. It will give a counterargument to the otherwise popular argument of the misrepresentations of Pashtun culture.

The Tribal Factor in Traditional Societies in South Asia (on the example of the Pashtun ethnic group)

The Tribal Factor in Traditional Societies in South Asia (on the example of the Pashtun ethnic group)

“Zagh Ye Pa Waka” as a Distinct Marriage Pattern in Pashtun Society: A Study of Wana (South Waziristan)

The core purpose of this research is, to conclude the validity of this practice in today’s globalized era. South Waziristan is a district in Dera Ismail Khan Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The respondents were selected from a village of district Wana South Waziristan. This district has a largest area of South Waziristan. In this research, qualitative method was used based on four months fieldwork in the study area in year 2021. The data was additionally conducted inside and outside, casual meetings from the dynamic individual from local area like neighborhood, pioneers, senior, and women; the data was collected through in-depth interview. This piece of research work is the contribution to the anthropological literature in Pashtun society cultural context of marriage pattern. This research concludes that how the elders of the Pashtun society understand this marriage pattern. The current research was conducted on the topic “Zagh Ye Pa Waka as a Distinct Marriage Pattern in Pashtun Society. A study of Wana (South Waziristan)”. The present research inspected through the conceptualizations of ghairat ("bravery"), emblematic and symbolic power of gun having the sense of interest of marriage.

Controversial Portrayal of Women in Pashto Proverbs

This research aims to explore the controversial representation of women in Pashto proverbs. It delves into the cultural significance of these proverbs and their impact on gender roles and perceptions. Through a deep analysis of a distinct set of Pashto proverbs, this study explores the common stereotypes, biases, and gender-based discrimination fixed in these linguistic expressions. It also investigates the evolving dynamics of women's roles in Pashto society and the potential consequences of these proverbs on contemporary gender relations. The data was collected in Pashtun society, and elders were joined for this purpose. The study's findings showed that these proverbs portray women as weak and dependent, with men as their masters. The negative portrayal of women in Pashto proverbs affects their social and economic status.

Women Rights in Pashtun Tribes of Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities

In Pakistan, women make up more than half of the population and are respected as independent persons under Sharia and Pakistani law. Nevertheless, gender-based violence and sexism remain serious problems in Pakistan. Especially in the Pashtun tribes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region in Pakistan that were originally known as Pashtun tribes, women still struggle with land ownership, forced marriage, education, the hijjab, and other issues. Religious laws allow this kind of discrimination, but it's important to remember that in Pashtun society, culture sometimes takes precedence over religious teachings. The aim of this study is to address the questions: to what extent do women contribute to these kinds of discriminations? How and who is more accountable for them, religion or society and why these practices were once supported by Pashtun tribes? The paper will also explore the true spirit of Islam regarding above mentioned rights of women.

The Effects of Cultural and Religious Beliefs on Women’s Quality Of Life: A Case Study of Federally Administered Tribal Area, Kurram Agency

The current study was formulated to probe cultural and religious belief systems that affect the female quality of life in the Feudally Administrated Tribal Area (FATA). The Data for the study was collected through an interview schedule from 279 sample respondents belonging to four villages of Kurram Agency. The statistical test, i.e., Chi-square, was used to find out the association between the dependent and independent variables. The results of religious and cultural beliefs show a significant association between females were not allowed to move outside the home and strictly observing seclusion (P=0.002), female participation in a job is considered a violation of Pakhtun ethics (P=0.000), females not dare to demand their share in the family inheritance (P=0.004), cultural values of Pashtun society consider female as a symbol of honor (P=0.000) with female quality of life. The study recommends the female quality of life in FATA can be improved through the merger of FATA into the mainstream of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, replacing FCR with constitutional rights, providing all the basic facilities, and discouraging all norms and practices developed on the basis of patriarchy, misinterpretation of religion and culture by using clergyman, NGOs and other government functionaries.

Some Aspects of Pashtun Culture

Pashtun culture is a rich and diverse culture that has been shaped by centuries of history and tradition. Often referred to as Pashtunwali, this culture encompasses every aspect of daily life, from social norms and customs to religious practices and cuisine. As an ethnic group, the Pashtun people are primarily located in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They are known for their proud and distinctive culture that emphasizes loyalty, hospitality, and respect for the Pashtun code of conduct. A central aspect of Pashtun is the Pashtunwali, which is the traditional code of conduct of the Pashtun people. Derived from the Pashto language, this code emphasizes concepts like courage, honor, and hospitality, and serves as a guide for how Pashtuns should conduct their lives. Hospitality is one of the most valued traits in Pashtun culture, and guests are treated with the utmost respect and care. This tradition dates back to the times of the ancient Silk Road, when traveling merchants of all backgrounds would stop at the Pashtuns' homes and receive food, shelter, and care. Music and dance are also cherished in Pashtun culture, with traditional instruments like the rubab (a lute-like instrument) and tabla (a percussion instrument) used to create melodic and rhythmic pieces. The attan, a traditional dance, is common at weddings, religious festivals, and other celebrations. The Pashtuns are a primarily Muslim community, and religion is deeply ingrained in their culture. Islamic practices like praying five times a day, fasting during Ramadan, and giving to charity are all important parts of life for Pashtuns. However, Pashtunwali also places a strong emphasis on tolerance and respect for other religions, and there is a long history of coexistence between different faiths in the region.

Socio-Cultural and Economic Consequences of Forced Marriages A Case Study of District Swabi Tehsil Razzar

The institution of marriage was one of the universal social institutions developed to manage and regulate the existence of people. Forced marriage is a type of marriage in which a couple is married without their consent or against their will. Conventional marriage is the established societal pattern through which two or more individuals form a family, whereas forced marriage is a sort of marriage in which a couple is married against their choice.. The purpose of this study is to analyze the socio-cultural as well as economic effects that forced marriages have on the Pashtun culture. Tehsil Razar, which is located in the Swabi area, served as the study's primary location. In order to collect information, we used techniques of simple random sampling on 120 female respondents from the entire population of tehsil Razar. This was done for the aim of data collecting. The literature provided a comprehensive questionnaire that was adapted for use, and it was analysed descriptively using Statistical Software for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The current study concluded that in Pashtun culture, forced marriage has become the norm in terms of both the customs and traditions surrounding marriage. The vast majority of the young women are considered "other property," despite their ages ranging from under 18 to over 18. The custom of being married at a young age is deeply ingrained in Pashtun culture since it is believed to bring dignity to the family. Despite the fact that it is perceived to be a financial strain on households. One of the primary reasons for forced marriages in Pashtun society is the lack of education and the ignorance of the parents, both of which contribute to domestic abuse and deprive individuals of their rights as well as their physical and mental wellbeing.

The Status of Women and Marginalized Social Classes: Pakistan’s Pashtoon Society in Perspective

The prehistoric code of conduct, morality, conscience, and reprisal, known as 'Pukhtunwali,' struggled to regain its prominence during colonial rule. However, women and lower social classes were continually denied their fundamental rights. In the patriarchal Pashtun society, women's role remained limited, despite the notable contributions of several women in literature, work fields, and administrative functions. Unfortunately, women were often disregarded, and lower social classes had no rights, even though they constituted the basic unit of society and contributed their labour to society's progress. This paper aims to examine the status of women and the marginalized social classes in Pakistani society. The article explores how these groups were denied their rights and how the lack of recognition of their contributions negatively impacted society. The paper concludes by highlighting the need to address these inequalities to create a more equitable society that respects all its members.

Introduction to Pashtun Women’s Poetry

Much of human emotions are expressed via poetry and other literary genres but when it comes to women in Pashtun society we lose their voices. Afzal Raza believes it is impossible for Pashtun women to speak about their pain and misery or any other feelings (Raza). As women could be persecuted for writing poetry in Pashtun society thus much of the folklore poetry came to existence by female speakers anonymously. Recently, New York Times reported about several young girls set themselves on fire after they were caught reciting poetry to an FM radio from home (Griswold). Reading about women casualties for their poetry, Raza shall be true saying that Tapa or Landay (a two-verse poetry) is the ancient form of poems mostly created by women that still exist as its writer is unknown but has its female speaker for us to understand it. To study Pashtun women and their poetry Tapa or Landay is the primary source to begin (Raza).

A Cultural Responses to Entrepreneurial Activities in Pashtun Society of Pakistan

Entrepreneurship is playing a vital role in national socioeconomic development. Entrepreneurial endeavors are significantly influenced by culture. In this study, the cultural barriers to entrepreneurship in Pashtun tribal society are examined. The tribal society of the Pashtuns was used as a case study. To carry out this study, a qualitative research paradigm was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with those involved in business activities. Respondents to the study were selected through a purposive sampling technique. The thematic analysis method was employed to investigate the social barrier to entrepreneurship in Pashtun tribal society. The results showed that, in contrast to the formation, business is not a socially respectable job in a tribal setting. Individuals in Pashtun society were reluctant to create businesses because of the negative attitudes certain people had regarding specific entrepreneurial endeavors. The information shows that Pakhtunwali, or Pashtun culture's moral code, hinders entrepreneurship in Pashtun society. It has hampered the process of socioeconomic development and people are reluctant to start entrepreneurial activities in Pashtun Society. The government must encourage young people to start their businesses and identify Pashtun society's cultural hubs that encourage commerce.

Dareemat: a mechanism of arbitration and dispute resolution among Pashtuns in Zhob, Pakistan

This paper brings to light the customary court of dareemat and explores its structure and practice among Pashtuns in the Zhob District of Balochistan. Existing literature on Pashtun society has mainly focused on the jirgah as the sole traditional institution of settling conflicts and disputes. The institution/court of dareemat primarily deals with resolution of disputes and conflicts pertaining to claims over property, land, accusations, and allegations. It consists of dareeman (arbitrators), disputants, eyewitnesses, and observers. Dareemat can be initiated through mutual consent of the disputants or arbitrators, depending on the intensity of the conflict or dispute. Individual males, having reputation for integrity, eloquence, expertise, and experience of arbitration (dareemat), are trusted with the task of being jury in the court of dareemat. It exists parallel to statutory courts of civil disputes in Zhob. The post-colonial state of Pakistan somehow has recognized the role of customary laws and courts in the sphere of civil disputes in predominantly Pashtun areas in tribal regions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. By applying a legal pluralism lens to study the practice and settlement of civil disputes by using the customary dareemat court, Pashtuns in Zhob District prefer to settle their disputes outside formal courts, in the dareemat as a first recourse to justice. The findings of the article are based on 10 months anthropological fieldwork substantiated by dareemat archives in the form of affidavits.

Pakistan – Taliban: A Paradoxical Relationship

This article analyses the complex relationship between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban for over twenty years. The unresolved issue of recognition of the Durand Line as the Afghan-Pakistan state border has had a negative impact on the relationship. The author notes the divided nature of Pashtun society on both sides of the Durand Line and Islamabad's desire for a loyal government in Kabul that would not be strongly influenced by Pashtun nationalist ideas. The paper explores Pakistan's policy of combining support for the Taliban with US-Pakistan relations in an asymmetric alliance. The aim of the article is to show the extent to which Islamabad's policy of trying to please both the US and Afghanistan has been successful. The author concludes that Pakistan's Afghan policy is characterised by a lack of achievement on major bilateral issues. After the Taliban came to power, Islamabad's influence over Kabul diminished, the Pakistanis failed to persuade the Taliban to comply with international requirements in governing the country, the Pak-Afghan border was not recognised, Afghanistan's contacts with India intensified, Pakistan ceased to be an indispensable partner for the US in the Afghan track and Islamabad failed to persuade Kabul to withdraw support from the extremist Taliban Movement of Pakistan. In spite of all the setbacks, Islamabad still views its former Afghan allies as the primary means of maintaining Pakistan's position in Afghanistan, hoping to convince the Afghan Taliban to accept the changed international realities.

Comparative Analysis of Formal and Informal Dispute Resolution Council in Tehsil Razzar, District Swabi

Jirga is a non-official but restricted institution that exists in Pashtun social structures.. Jirga is defined as the group of members of exact subgroup of Pashtun, considering a matter of universal interests. Particularly in tribal communities adhering to Pashtun traditional standards, it is viewed as a cover of safety and protection for the underprivileged. Jirga is used to settle conflicts over public and private space. Jirga upholds democratic principles and maintains an impartial stance when mediating and arbitrating disputes between plaintiffs. Jirga is a representation of a democratic system where each person has the freedom to voice their opinions in front of other Jirga members. The rule of behaviour that is being upheld at the Jirga aims to foster moral and spiritual ties. Jirga is the primary institution in the tribal region's political system for resolving conflicts and advancing justice. Since the Dispute Resolution Council (DRC)was established, numerous disputes and conflicts have been settled more successfully, and as a result, particularly in the Pashtun Society, it has benefited. The basic vision and goal of the Dispute Resolution Council is conflict resolution and how to foster a beneficial atmosphere between disputing and conflicting parties for societal progress (DRC).