A research study of customs and traditions in Pashtun society

Abstract

This research explores the historical and cultural foundation of Pashtun society, emphasizing its unique social code known as Pashtunwali. With a legacy spanning over 5,000 years, the Pashtun nation has developed distinct traditions that have shaped its collective identity. The article examines how foreign powers, especially British colonialism, deliberately marginalized Pashtun regions to suppress their resistance and autonomous character. As a result, Pashtun youth today often remain unaware of their cultural heritage. The study highlights nine major elements of Pashtunwali: Jirga (tribal council), meraka (consultation), nanawatey (plea for forgiveness), Teega (temporary truce), rogha jorra (reconciliation), Panah (asylum), nang (honor), respect for women, and ghazwa (religious defense). These elements function as an unwritten constitution, deeply embedded in the Pashtun way of life, reflecting democratic values and ethical principles. Through references to oral traditions, poetry, and scholarly sources, the article demonstrates how Pashtunwali acts as a code of conduct that governs personal, social, and legal aspects of life. The research calls for renewed attention to Pashto language, cultural education, and the revival of indigenous knowledge, to preserve the identity and dignity of Pashtun society in the modern world.