Pashtunwali

Pashtunwali (Pashto: پښتونوالی‎ पश्तूनवाली ), also referred to as Pakhtunwali (पख्तूनवाली ) or Afghaniyat (अफगानियत ), is the traditional lifestyle and code of honor followed by the Pashtun people in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is often interpreted by scholars as the way of the Pashtuns or the code of life. This cultural framework encompasses various principles and customs that guide social interactions, conflict resolution, and community relations among Pashtuns.

Pashtunwali is predominantly practiced in areas where Pashtuns are the majority, particularly in the Pashtun-dominated regions. Its origins can be traced back to ancient pre-Islamic times, reflecting a rich heritage that has been preserved through generations. Core tenets of Pashtunwali include hospitality (melmastia), asylum (nanawatai), and justice (badal), which emphasise loyalty, respect, and the protection of one’s community and family.