Culture & Society of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Prepared By: Imran Ali

Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology

Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences

International Islamic University, Islamabad.

CONTENTS:• Introduction• Flag of KPK• Map of KPK• Pashtuns• Quotations• Languages• Pushto culture and heritage• Pashtunwali• Jirga system• Literature• Dress• Social system• Folk music & Dance• Cuisine • Sports• Conclusion

INTRODUCTION:

• Formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)

• Located in the north-west of the country. 

• Khyber Pass links the province to Afghanistan.

FLAG OF KPK:

MAP OF KPK:

• The Kohala Bridge in Bakote Abbottabad is a major crossing point over the Jhelum River in the east.

• Established: July 1, 1970 Capital: Peshawar Area: 74,521 sq.km Population: 22,000,000 Estimated Density: 300 Sq. km

• The main ethnic group in the province is Pashtuns; other smaller ethnic groups include most notably the Hazarewals and Chitralis.

DISTRIBUTION OF PATHANS POPULATION:TOTAL PATHANS’ POPULATION= 42 MILLION Country Population YearPakistan 28 million 2005Afghanistan 12 million 2009UAE 315,524 2008UK 100,000 2009Canada 26,000 2006India 11,086 2001USA 7710 2000Malaysia & others 5100 2008

WHO ARE PATHANS, PUKHTUNS OR PASHTUNS?

• The Pathans are known as people who originated from Paktia Province of Afghanistan and are brave, simple, and sincere in their dealings with others.

• They are noted as fierce fighters, and throughout history they have offered strong resistance to invaders.

• They staunchly hold on to their cultural traditions and connect with one another in a visceral way.

QUOTATIONS:

1. Russian General in 1987 "Pathans are the most Brave people ever born on the earth. These people can't be defeated by Force."

2. By American General 2004 "We are fighting a meaning less war against the Rocks."

3. By Indian General in Siachin War "If there was no NWFP province in Pakistan, I m sure that at least Kashmir was ours."

We Salute them as wonderful part of Pakistani Nation.

LANGUAGES:

• Urdu (national)• Pashto (provincial)• English (official)

• Regional languages:Pashto, Hindko, Khowar, Kalami, Torwali,

Shina, Gujari, Maiya, Bateri,Kalkoti, Chilisso, Gowro, Kalasha-mondr,Palula, Dameli, Gawar-

Bati, Yidgha,Burushaski, Kyrgyz, Wakhi.

PASHTO:

• Dominant language of the Province .

• Belongs to the Irani branch of the Aryan family of languages.

• It has two main dialects: a 'softer' dialect and a 'harsher' dialect.

• The softer/Pashto dialect: southwestern and southeastern dialects.

• The harsher/Pakhto dialect: northwestern (also called central) and northeastern dialects.

• Pashto is spoken as a first language by 15.5% (28-30 millions) of Pakistanis, mostly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and in Balochistan as well.

• The Pashto has rich written literary traditions as well as an oral tradition. 

PASHTO CULTURE & HERITAGE• “ Pathan is not merely a race but in fact a state of mind there is a

pathan inside every mind”

• Based on Islam and Pashtunwali (an ancient way of life).

• Culture highlighted since the time of Alexander the Great in around 330 BC.

• Has come under little outside influence.

PASHTUNWALI:• Code of conduct. • “Pashtuns believe that their social code produces men, who are

superior to those produced under the Western model, and they have no desire to have a new social system imposed on them by outsiders” (Thomas H. Johnson and M. Chris Mason, “No Sign Until the Burst of Fire”, p. 61).

• Main components of Pashtunwali

• Melmastia (hospitality)

• Badal (to seek justice or take revenge against the wrongdoer)

• Nanawatai (sanctuary)  to seek refuge in the house of another, seeking asylum against his enemies

• A Pashtun at all times is expected to defend his land, family, women and property against invaders.

CONTINUED:

• Other main components of Pashtunwali• Tureh (bravery)

• Sabat (loyalty); towards one friends and family and members of

the tribe

• Imandari (righteousness); striving for goodness both in word and

in deed

• Ghairat (courage/honour); at all times a Pashtun must display

courage

• Namus (sexual honour of women)

• Nang (honour)

• The list is still not complete . However, it clearly describes the values

that govern the ‘Proud Pathan’.

• Pashtunwali is not a legal code as we see.

• It is more a code of honour by which a Pashtun will live by - and die

for!

PASHTUNWALI CONTINUED:

• The Pashtuns have relied on a code as old as time itself to conduct

themselves as individuals and as a society in their dealings between

themselves and with others.

• Pashtunwali has succeeded, in establishing a uniform code of conduct

in a society.

• Understanding Pashtunwali does not offer the map to control Pashtun

tribes.

 JIRGA SYSTEM

• Assembly of tribal elders.

• Take decision on issues based on consensus.

• Disputes between two or more people are heard by this Council of

Elders.

• In tribal regions, the jirga is still used as a court for criminal

offences.

LITERATURE

• Pashto-speakers have long had a tradition of oral literature,

including proverbs, stories, and poems.

• Written Pashto literature saw a rise in development in the

17th century mostly due to poets like Khushal Khan

Khattak (1613–1689).

• Who, along with Rahman Baba (1650–1715), is widely

regarded as among the greatest Pashto poets.

• The first Pashto teaching text was written during the period of

Ahmad Shah Durrani (1722-1772)by Pir Mohammad Kakerr with

the title of Ma'refa al- Afghāni ("Introduction of Afghani [Pashto]").

• First grammar book of pashto verbs was written in 1805 titled Riāz

al-Muhabat ("Training in Affection") by Nawab Mohabat khan.

• Another book of pashto words entitled Ajayeb al-Lughat (Wonders

of languages) was written by Nawabullah yar khan in 1808 .

PASHTO POETS:

• Some notable poets from the region of KPK include:

• Amir kror suri • Khushal khan khattak • Rahman baba • Abasin yousafzai • Ahmad shah durrani • Ghulam Muhammad tarsi • Ghani khan.

• Pashtun men usually gather at special events and listen to Pashto poetry.

Khushal Khan Khattak

• Khushal Khan Khattak (1613-89), was the chief of the Khattak tribe, and also a great warrior poet.

• He wrote excellent poetry in Pashto about things such as unity, honor, war, love, and everyday life. He also wrote about philosophy , ethics religion, jurisprudence, medicine, sports and falconry. His poetry is still widely read.

• “ A deceptive heart is destructive specially if its heart of a leader, such a leader defame himself and destroys the nation”.

DRESS:• Pathan men usually wear shalwar kameez with Turban.

This Turban is a symbol of honour for them.

• Males usually wear Kufi , Kandahari cap , Lungi (turban of honour), Pakol as traditional headgear.

• Leaders mostly wear a karakul hat.

CONTINUED• Many women wear a embroided kameez which

contain a lot of glass work on it.

• They also tend to make hand made jewelry which is appreciated all over the world.

• Famous footwear of pathan is Peshawari chappal.

MARRIAGE SYSTEM

• Arranged marriages are usually the only choice for the rural people but also very common among those living in urban areas.

• Wadah (marriage) as a general rule, is arranged by parents in Pashtun society and the boy and the girl themselves do not play any role in the negotiations. This is because of the fact that Pashtuns are conservative by nature.

• Due to this conservatism, it becomes impossible for the boy to choose a girl for himself.

RELIGIOUS LIFE

• The Pukhtoons are deeply religious .

• The Pukhtoons are punctual in offering their daily prayers and observance of fast during the month of Ramadan.

• The holy men, Saints, Sayyids and Mains are held in deep reverence.

FAMILY SYSTEM • An attractive feature of the Pukhtoons way of life is the joint family

system.

• Which signifies their deep love for the family's solidarity and welfare.

• The desire of communal life emanates from a consideration of economic security and integrity.

RESPECT FOR ELDERS• The Pukhtoons children are taught to show a great degree of respect

to their parents and elders .

• Senior members of the family, particularly elders, command great respect.

• Parents are properly looked after in old age and every effort is made to provide them with all possible comforts.

FOLK MUSIC AND DANCES

• Traditional Pashto music is mostly classic ghazals, using• Rubab• Sitar • Tabla • Harmonium • Flute and several other musical

instruments.

• Today's modern Pashto music is influenced by neighboring music such as Bollywood films as well as western or European.

TYPES OF DANCES• Attan dance  Folk dance of Pashtuns tribes of Pakistan including the unique

styles of Quetta and Waziristan.

• Khattak dance

• Mahsud Attan (Dance)

• Waziri dance

• Chitrali dance

• Gumhar and Gatka popular dance of hazara division.

CRAFTS:• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not famous just for its natural beauty, but also for its

handicraft work.

• The products of KPK are very famous all over the country, and also exported to the other countries.

• Handmade products that include, • Woodwork Chappal making • Stones jewelry Vessels of brass and copper • Fine hand woven Woolen fabrics• Leather work Hand knotted rugs• Carpets, caps made of mountain sheep wool .

CUISINE/FOOD• Pashtun Cuisines are strongly influenced by the rich cultural

surroundings of the region. • Traditionally, northwestern Pakistan is the region of the country, which

is a population of hardworking and devoted individuals who value the importance of a good eating.

• Famous Items: Tikkah Sugi ka halwa Kahwa Chapali kabab Kabali pulao Special long naans Saag Roti of jawar(maize) and many more.

SPORTS

• Kabaddi • Polo • Naiza bazi • Horse ridding • Perzawal (proud of their strength of arms, Pukhtoons are fond of field sports. In

the early stage of his life, a child measures his strength with his compatriots in wrestling bouts called Perzowal).

• Cricket is also played a lot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It has created world-class sportsmen like Shahid Khan Afridi Younus Khan, and many more. Besides producing cricket players, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has the honour of being the birthplace of many world-class squash players, including greats like Jansher Khan and Jahangir Khan.

CONCLUSION• Other than the diversity of cultures, KPK people are very hospitable

and loving .

• They appreciate the arrival of guests at their place and tend to be very hospitable.

Thank you