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a. Pasthun
Pasthun, which is also called as Pathan, or Pukhun, is one of the cultural ethnics in Afghanistan. It is the largest cultural ethnic group in Afghanistan. It
constituted from 50 to 60 percent of the population of prewar Afghanistan. They have dominated the society and politics of the country for the past 200 years. The
Pasthuns inhabit southern and eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan. Besides, they also inhabit an area roughly bounded by Kabul in the northeast and Heart in
the northwest, it extends as far east as the Indus River and in the south an approximate boundary can be drawn from Sibi through Quetta to Qadahar.
Their language is Pushto Pashto, except for a small minority. They are Sunni Muslims. Observing the economic point of view, in large towns and urban
areas, The Pasthuns have earned reputations as successful traders and businessmen.
Speaking on the subject of marriage, though polygamy is permitted under Muslim law, monogamy is prevalent. Marriages are overwhelmingly endogamous
within the clan and to a large degree within the subsection. Moreover, a divorce is very rare among Pasthuns—despite the ease of obtaining a divorce under Muslim
law. It is because for Pasthuns, the union is commonly contracted on the basis of bride-price. The bride-price and also the man’s honour are lost if the woman
remarries. A.S. Ahmed, as cited in Encyclopedia of World Cultures, Volume III,
South Asia, has identified two principles of social organization among the Pasthuns: nang honour and qalang taxes or rent. Honour is also used in social
27 control. Traditionally, social control was maintained by a code of behavior and
honour called Pakhtunwali. It combines the principles of revenge, hospitality to guests, defense of those who have sought protection in one’s care, the chastity of
married women, and restraint toward those considered weak or helpless Hindus, women, and boys. Pakhtunwali in some cases contradicts and generally takes
precedence over Islamic law. The penalty for illegal sexual behavior is harsh, e.g. is death.
Religious practitioners or leaders are called mullahs. The mullah is a man who has attained a religious training.
b. Hazara
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