Headline Dec 22,2011//THE PROUD PASHTUNS

THE 

PROUD PASHTUNS 

OF 

PAKISTAN

They live in majority in the North West Frontier of Pakistan but traverse a thin belt to Baluchistan also, and have growing number in adjoining areas of Afghanistan. The exact estimates may not be possible but 27 million live in Pakistan, of these some 3.5 million live in the federally administered Tribal belt, and over 12 million Pashtuns live in Afghanistan (42% of the total population).

In Pakistan their province is called Pakhtunkhwa and their code of honour is called Pashtunwali.

Notable within Pashtunwali are their individual and collective obligations.

1. Badal -> Avenge blood

2. Nawawati -> To fight to the death for a person who has taken refuge with you. 

3. Melmastia -> To provide hospitality and safety to your guest. 

But running thru these and other aspects of the code are nations of honour, bravery, manliness, chivalry, steadfastness and righteousness. 

Consistent with their calling as warriors, they maintain arsenals of arms and ammunition. They are taught to carry arms from childhood. It is these characteristics that have pitted them against every foreign invader who set foot on their soil and way of life. 

Louis Dupree the famous American Anthropologist and Afghanistan specialist summed up best

"PHYSICAL COURAGE IS CENTRAL TO THE PASHTUN CHARACTER"

So no one who has served in front line operations in Afghanistan will need reminder of the legendary toughness of the Pashtuns.

SAM Daily Times - "The Voice of the Voiceless"