Pashtunwali

The native Pashtun tribes, often described as fiercely independent people, who inhabit the Pashtunistan region (southeastern Afghanistan and northwestern Pakistan) follow this traditional code of conduct that governs the social behaviour and values of the Pashtuns, which is called Pashtunwali, and it is described as being ancient, which the Pashtuns follow and predates Islam. Because of that, much of their mountainous territory has remained outside government rule or control. Pashtun resistance to outside rule and the terrain they reside in is sometimes speculated to be why Indigenous Pashtuns still follow the "code of life". Pashtunwali rules are accepted in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and also in some Pashtun communities around the world. Some non-Pashtun Afghans and others have also adopted its ideology or practices for their own benefit. Conversely, many urbanized Pashtuns tend to ignore the rules of Pashtunwali. Passed on from generation to generation, Pashtunwali guides both individual and communal conduct. Practiced by the majority of Pashtuns, it helps to promote Pashtunization. Pashtunwali promotes self-respect, independence, justice, hospitality, love, forgiveness, revenge and tolerance toward all (especially to strangers or guests). It is considered to be the personal responsibility of every Pashtun to discover and rediscover Pashtunwali's essence and meaning. ::The Pashtun tribes are always engaged in private or public war. Every man is a warrior, a politician and a theologian. Every large house is a real feudal fortress. ... Every family cultivates its vendetta; every clan, its feud. ... Nothing is ever forgotten and very few debts are left unpaid. :::Winston Churchill (My Early Life, Chapter 11: "The Mahmund Valley") == Pashtun institutions ==

Pashtuns are organised into tribal or extended family groups often led by a "Malik" (a wealthy and influential leader from the group). Disputes within clans are settled by a jirga (traditionally a tribal assembly involving all adult males). In times of foreign invasion, Pashtuns have been known to unite under Pashtun religious leaders such as Saidullah Baba in the Siege of Malakand and even under Pashtána female leaders such as Malalai of Maiwand in the Battle of Maiwand. ==Main principles==

, Nuristan governor, Fazlullah Wahidi, Kunar governor, Gul Agha Sherzai, Nangarhar governor, and Lutfullah Mashal, Laghman governor, listen to speakers talk about peace, prosperity and the rehabilitation of Afghanistan during the first regional Jirga in 2009. Although not exclusive, the following thirteen principles form the major components of Pashtunwali. The three primary principles: • Hospitality () – Showing hospitality and respect to all visitors, regardless of race, religion, nationality or wealth, without any expectation of repayment. Pashtuns will go to great lengths to show their hospitality. • Asylum () – Protection given to a fugitive from his enemies, at all costs. Even those running from the law must be given refuge until the situation can be clarified. • Justice and revenge () – To seek justice or take revenge against a wrongdoer. No time limit restricts the revenge period. Even a mere taunt () may count as a mortal insult. A Pashtun must be loyal to family, friends and tribe members. • Kindness (). Pashtuns should act for the welfare of others. • Female honour (). A Pashtun must defend the honor of women at all costs and must protect them from all harm and disrespect. • Honour (). A Pashtun must defend the weak around him. • Manhood or chivalry (). A Pashtun must demonstrate courage. A turban is considered a symbol of chivalry. • Country (). A Pashtun is obliged to protect the land of the Pashtuns and the traditional customs. ==See also==