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62-458: Building on the outcomes of previous jirgas, including the 2022 Bannu Jirga, this gathering seeked to further discussions on Pashtun rights, unity, autonomy, culture , language , and economic conditions. Historically, Pashtun jirgas have provided a platform for addressing collective concerns, promoting dialogue on peace, political reform, and indigenous rights. The Khyber Jirga aimed to include Pashtuns and minority groups from all backgrounds to shape

124-428: A clasp of gold, or jewel to the back of the head, conceals the face, across where there is an opening of network to admit light and air. This dress is called a Boorkha. It conceals the whole figure, all outlines which is so entirely lost, that a stranger, on viewing a party of these shrouded beings flitting about him on the streets, might as well be at a loss to guess to what class of creatures they belonged. In addition to

186-573: A lead presenter, summarizing the key data points and setting the stage for deeper discussions on Day 2. The second day (12 October 2024) would feature closed-door deliberations, where delegates from the Pashtun-majority districts and 35 interest groups, such as political parties, women's groups, and unions, would gather to discuss the major issues facing Pashtuns. Each group would analyze problems related to governance, human rights, political representation, and land disputes. Following these discussions,

248-512: A part of their traditional pre-Islamic culture is the Attan , a war dance. Historically, Pashtuns the Attan just before or after a successful raid or tribal war, used to instill confidence before a battle and spiritually be ready, however today its usually done more specifically for celebrations such as weddings - some still do it before a tribal war. Historically said to be linked with Zoroastrianism , It

310-601: A representative government be formed in Afghanistan through a loya jirga and general election that is in line with all international standards. The jirga expressed concerns over Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis , appealed to the international community to help the Afghans , and denounced the barbed barrier along the Durand Line . The jirga also demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners including Ali Wazir . At

372-638: A shared vision for the reconstruction and development of the Pashtun nation. On 9 October 2024, four PTM members were killed and over two dozens others were injured during a crackdown by the Pakistani police against the PTM ahead of the Khyber Jirga. The assembly was expected to draw leaders from across the political and social spectrum, uniting factions that have historically been divided. The first day (11 October 2024) of

434-469: A spectrum of colors with unique striped patterns. These styles are uniquely associated with Pashtuns throughout Central and South Asia. However, other Afghan ethnic groups have also however adopted the Pashtun turban style. Another common headwear of Pashtun men is the Pakol hat, which is a soft rolled up flat wool hat, that is worn on the head and worn like a beret . It comes in a variety of earthly colors and

496-706: Is a Pashtun nationalist , secular and leftist political party in Pakistan . The party was founded by Abdul Wali Khan in 1986 and its current president is Aimal Wali Khan , great-grandson of Bacha Khan , with Mian Iftikhar Hussain serving as the Secretary-General . Part of the PPP -led cabinet of the Pakistani government during 2008−13, ANP's political position is considered left-wing, advocating for secularism , public sector government, and social egalitarianism . ANP

558-428: Is a circular dance ranging from two to over a hundred people, and the performers will follow each other going round and round in a circle to the beat as the rhythm and beats faster. It is typically performed in a circle of tribesmen, around a drummer beating a double-headed barrel drum, the rhythm of the speed of the Attan is based on the rhythm of the drum. The dance, which is intensive, usually lasts up to 30 minutes, and

620-540: Is also because most of the nomadic Ghilji tribes have slowly have become more settled. Despite this many elderly ladies still have it as well as a few younger ones in Southern Afghanistan. As a substitute many women now use Sheen Khaal temporarily with henna, on special occasions (e.g., weddings). Different sub-tribes of the Ghilji tribe have different patterns. This same Sheen Khaal culture or facial tattoos on women

682-506: Is also coincidently found thousand of miles away, in many Middle Eastern cultures, like the Kurds and Berbers /Amazigh of North Africa. Within both Afghanistan and Pakistan, one of the oldest recorded traditions of Pashtun society is Jirgas , or tribal councils. It is an assembly of respected elders and chieftains, get together in a circle and make decisions for the tribe. The Jirgas or tribal councils pass laws, resolves conflicts, deal with

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744-537: Is eaten more often in their cuisine than any other culture in the region. Bannu Pulao , Kabuli palaw , Chappli Kebab , Mutton , are the most famous dishes. It is not uncommon for Pashtuns to start firing guns shots joyously into the air during on hearing a special event or celebration. Celebrations include weddings, birth of a child, or the end of Ramadan . Awami National Party The Awami National Party ( ANP ; Urdu : عوامی نيشنل پارٹی , Pashto : عوامي نېشنل پارټي ; lit. People's National Party )

806-556: Is finished until exhaustion of all the performers. There are various types of Attan in the Pashtun belt of Afghanistan and Pakistan, they differ in motions, and even accessories. The differences are unique to the different tribes such as, Khattak , Wazir , Mehsud , Kochi , Zadran , Zazai , Wardaki , Mangal and more. Pashtun cuisine is characterized by their own traditional dishes as well as some influence by outsiders. Rice dishes and kebabs feature prominently in Pashtun cuisine . Lamb

868-521: Is here as part of a visitors programme that brings important people from other nations for meeting US civil and military officials and members of the civic society." This was Wali Khan's second such visit to the United States, a country where he has several relatives. In the last decade, hundreds of members of the ANP have been assassinated or became victims of target killings. Most of the attacks occurred in

930-647: Is made from cotton and comes in a variety of colors such as blue, white, brown and black. The burka is an essential part of Pashtun culture as it conveys honor and respect to others, in society, however it is not worn by children, young girls or elderly women. It may be worn in all Pashtun regions from Afghanistan and Pakistan , as well as by some diaspora women. However, in the presence of their own family members it may be taken off. The burka has historically been associated with women of higher class and suggested women didn't need to work. Many women insist upon wearing it to preserve their self respect and honor Contrary to

992-505: Is regarded as a sign of beauty for women. Sheen Khaal, being a tribal custom, are geometric blue markings which are marked on the chin, cheeks, mid-brow, and forehead of young Pashtun women. It was once quite common amongst the Ghilji Pashtun women. However, nowadays it is often seen on elder ladies or nomads normally referred to as Kochi . This practice is slowly being abandoned due to the influence of Islam which forbids tattoos and this

1054-484: Is shared by the entire community. Male members of the community who linger and associate like a larger family commonly visit the hujra which serves as more than just a place to hold collective ceremonies. A man can enter a Hujra at any time of the day, month or year and be sure of getting safety, food and shelter. It is only after he has been adequately fed that the members ask him how they can help him and assure him that he can stay as long as he wishes. Amongst Pashtuns,

1116-505: Is used to keep the head warm, although this isn't a traditional headwear and was adopted in the 19th century, it is worn by many of them today in everyday life. Traditionally modest, Pashtun women when in public, or when visiting cities or in the presence of men, have observed the Burka , a garment worn by some Muslim women around the world. They cover themselves with burka from head to toe, whilst leaving latticed slits, or nets to see through. It

1178-586: The 2018 Pakistani general election there was a suicide bombing attack on political rally of Awami National Party (ANP) in YakaToot neighborhood of Peshawar in which fourteen people were killed and sixty-five injured. Among the killed was ANP's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly candidate, Haroon Bilour. Bilour was son of Bashir Ahmad Bilour who was also killed in a suicide bombing attack in December 2012. Elections for Constituency PK-78 were postponed to an disclosed date by

1240-678: The Alliance for Restoration of Democracy , until the 2001 September 11 attacks in the United States, when it left the alliance over supporting NATO 's ouster of the Taliban government . The party's reputation was damaged in this period following the arrest of former Federal Minister and senior party leader Azam Khan Hoti. In the 2002 elections, the party struck up an alliance with the PPP. However, both parties were electorally routed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by

1302-576: The Karachi and Peshawar areas. An ANP rally in Quetta was subject to a bomb blast on 13 July 2012. The blast killed six people and injured 12 others. It was speculated that a cycle parked behind the stage was the probable cause. The dead included two children as well. The party has also accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan and of being complicit in the Taliban attacks. On 10 July 2018, during

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1364-574: The Khet Partoog . The color of the dress is usually red and is covered with variety of other ornaments. They adorn themselves in various traditional jewelry such as ornamental headpieces, bracelets, nose rings, earrings, necklaces are also worn. Henna is also done of the fingers, feet and hands to beautify themselves Amongst the Ghilji tribes of Pashtuns, an ancient tradition exists, the Sheen Khaal, which

1426-612: The National Awami Party (NAP), led by a charismatic Bengali socialist, Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani . In 1965 the NAP split into two factions, with Wali Khan becoming president of the pro- Moscow faction . The party's members participated in 1970 parliamentary elections through the Pakistan Peoples Party 's platform and the National Awami Party , forming the largest socialist alliance with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1970. However,

1488-567: The National Press Club in Islamabad . It was during this jirga that the name of the " Mahsud Tahafuz Movement" (MTM) was changed to the " Pashtun Tahafuz Movement " (PTM). The jirga condemned the murder of the Pashtun labourer and aspiring model, Naqeebullah Mehsud , who was shot dead by police force in Karachi during an encounter, and the alleged state oppression against the Pashtuns. It asked

1550-510: The Pakistan People's Party in all three provinces. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ANP had its first chief minister since 1948. The strongholds of the ANP are in the Pashtun dominated areas of Pakistan, particularly in the Valley of Peshawar area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and it has traditionally dominated Charsadda , Mardan , Nowshera , Peshawar , and Swabi areas of central KPK. On the other hand,

1612-658: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Sardar Yaqoob Nasar of the Pakistan Muslim League (PMLN), Muhammad Khan Sherani of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Chief of Waziristan Gul Alam Wazir, minority rights activist William Jan Barkat , historian Parvesh Shaheen , and numerous other Pashtun, Baloch and Hazara leaders were part of the jirga. The resolutions were also endorsed by several Afghan political leaders, including Hamid Karzai , Haneef Atmar and Amrullah Saleh . The jirga declared that Pashtuns were victims of Pakistan's war on terror since 2002, with 60,000 out of

1674-844: The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PMAP), Manzoor Pashteen , Mir Kalam , Sanna Ejaz and Wranga Loni of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), Mohsin Dawar , Latif Afridi , Afrasiab Khattak , Basheer Matta , Bushra Gohar and Jamila Gilani of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), Khadim Hussain and Maulana Khanzeb of the Awami National Party (ANP), Afzal Khamosh of the Mazdoor Kisan Party (MKP), Farhatullah Babar and Ahmad Kundi of

1736-478: The war-battered Afghanistan . Pashtun culture Pashtun culture ( Pashto : پښتون کلتور ) is based on Pashtunwali , as well as speaking of the Pashto language and wearing Pashtun dress . Pashtunwali and Islam are the two main factors which make the baseline for the social behavior in Pashtun society. Pashtuns are traditionally strict and conservative regarding the preservation of their culture. Being

1798-496: The 70,000 Pakistanis killed being Pashtuns. "In the current situation, Pashtuns have over 8,000 missing youth ," remarked Manzoor Pashteen. Power over resources, women's rights , and the status of Pashto and other native languages in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were discussed, and a united Pashtun province comprising Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, North Balochistan and Mianwali was proposed. The participants demanded that

1860-597: The Bannu Jirga demanded that: Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai praised the Bannu Jirga, calling it a positive beginning toward resolving issues in the region. He stated: "This jirga is an efficient step towards solving issues in Afghanistan and in the region and I support its statement. I also appreciate women’s participation in the jirga and the jirga’s call for securing women’s political, economic and cultural rights." Former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh and former Foreign Minister Haneef Atmar also supported

1922-573: The Election Commission. The party espouses a nonviolent approach to tackling extremism. It promotes democratic socialism , secularism , economic egalitarianism , and Pashtun nationalism . The party has dense support among the Pashtun population in the country. Since 2000, its liberal socialism and pro-Pashtun philosophy has become the integral part of the party, advocating for the regional autonomy and increased Pashtun cultural expression. A frequent coalition partner in provincial politics, it

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1984-686: The NAP was conspiring against the state of Pakistan. General Zia-ul-Haq subsequently withdrew the charges against the NAP. Wali Khan was released, joined the National Democratic Party, and ultimately formed the Awami National Party. In the meantime, Prime Minister Bhutto was imprisoned and executed in April 1979. The Awami National Party (Awami means "people's"), which depends on ethnic Pashtuns (Pukhtuns) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly NWFP) and northern Balochistan as its political base,

2046-640: The Pashtun National Jirga would open with a public session focused on presenting data regarding the effects of war, military operations, and socio-economic challenges faced by Pashtuns. The morning would begin with an official opening ceremony, followed by a detailed visual and statistical presentation on the damages caused by the imposed wars on Pashtuns, enforced disappearances, and the displacement of civilians. Firsthand testimonies from witnesses in affected districts would offer personal perspectives on these impacts. The day would end with concluding remarks by

2108-399: The afternoon, an organizing committee would be elected, tasked with leading the jirga’s future efforts. The newly elected members would outline a comprehensive agenda and strategy for the movement going forward. The jirga would conclude with final speeches from key leaders, the public announcement of resolutions, and a ceremonial oath-taking by the organizing committee members. The Bannu Jirga

2170-611: The alliance fell apart and its members joined the Pakistan National Alliance . In 1972, the party was strong enough to form coalition provincial governments, with its partner the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. These governments were short lived. Wali Khan was again jailed, and his party was barred from politics when the Supreme Court upheld the finding of President Bhutto that

2232-595: The building of Kalabagh Dam and renaming the province NWFP to Pakhtunkhwa. It won six seats in the National Assembly in the 1990 elections. In the 1993 national elections, the party won three seats in the National Assembly. It then joined the Grand Democratic Alliance, campaigning against the Sharif government's policies. After Nawaz Sharif's overthrow by Pervez Musharraf , the party stayed an active member of

2294-528: The city of Karachi in Sindh province hosts one of the largest Pashtun populations in the world, but the ANP only had two seats in 2011, whereas the number of Pashtuns present would predict them having "up to 25 seats". In May 2008, Asfandyar Wali Khan made an unannounced visit to the United States in which he and his delegate held high-level meetings with top U.S. officials. A source explained that "the delegation

2356-438: The country's administrative affairs. In response to the demand for Ali Wazir 's release, Saif stated that he could not be immediately released because there were "still cases pending in the courts against Ali Wazir." The Bannu Jirga endorsed the declarations of two earlier Pashtun Jirgas, one of which was organized on 10 March 2020 at Bacha Khan Markaz, Peshawar by Asfandyar Wali Khan of the Awami National Party (ANP), while

2418-554: The delegates would elect representatives and work on drafting resolutions. The resolutions would focus on political, social, and economic rights, and would be submitted to the organizing committee by the evening. The third day (13 October 2024) would mark the formation of the Pashtun National Jirga Organizing Committee. Representatives from about 80 groups, including district delegates and interest groups, would converge to present their drafted resolutions. In

2480-424: The displaced and homeless people, blocked identity cards, censuses, land mines and missing persons . On 1 February 2018, when his Pashtun Long March that had started six days earlier at Dera Ismail Khan , reached Islamabad after passing through several cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Bannu , Peshawar and Swabi , Manzoor Pashteen organized a 10-day sit-in called "All Pashtun National Jirga" outside

2542-459: The elders, all the participants are equal, all can participate and speak, no one has authority over another. It has been described as "the closest thing to Athenian democracy that has existed since the original". Hujras are guest houses for men, used to entertain. They act as a community club that is as old as the Jirga itself. Every village has a hujra and is occasionally owned by a wealthy family but

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2604-477: The false beliefs and propaganda suggesting it was introduced by Taliban , the earliest recorded mention of Pashtun women wearing the burka was in the early 18th century, by a British soldier of the British Empire , James Rattray records that: When out of doors, or taking Horse exercise, these ladies don an immense white sheet, reaching from the top of the skull cap, to the feet, a long square veil, attached by

2666-514: The funeral of Usman Kakar in Muslim Bagh on 23 June 2021, Mahmood Khan Achakzai announced in his speech that he would convene a jirga in Bannu within three months to discuss the major problems affecting Pashtuns, such as insecurity and power over their resources, and to find solutions. The jirga was later postponed until 11 March 2022. Non-Pashtun leaders were also welcome to join the jirga in Bannu. At

2728-466: The government to set up a judicial inquiry for Naqeebullah Mehsud, as well as for all the other Pashtuns murdered extrajudicially in police encounters . The jirga demanded to stop racial profiling of the Pashtuns in Pakistan, and to bring the Pashtun missing persons before the court of law, so that those who are innocent but held could be freed. The jirga also demanded Pakistan Army to guarantee that they would not abduct or open fire on innocents in

2790-465: The government, murder cases, rewards fines and death sentences, declare war and peace, and banish people from the tribe. Foreign powers, such as the British Empire , attended Jirgas during the 18th and 19th century, in order to maintain relationships with the tribes and settle any conflicts. Today, both Afghan and Pakistani There is no hierarchy in Jirgas, no president or spokesmen's; with respect to

2852-457: The inauguration of the jirga, Achakzai stated: "The Gujjar have come to this jirga, people of Gilgit have come, and everyone who lives with us in our region is our brother [or sister]." The choice of Bannu for hosting the jirga had historical significance. On 21 June 1947, the city was host to the Bannu Resolution , in which Pashtun politicians demanded that the British Empire give them

2914-499: The jirga. They said that the proposal that an elected and representative government be formed in Afghanistan through a loya jirga and general election was a bold and pleasant move. Responding to the jirga's statement, Muhammad Ali Saif , Special Assistant to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, categorically denied that Pashtuns were subjected to discrimination in Pakistan. He claimed that the Pakistan Army played no political role in

2976-633: The option of independence for Pashtunistan , comprising all Pashtun territories in British India , rather than making them join the new Dominion of Pakistan . The city was also home to the Faqir of Ipi (Mirzali Khan) during his student life, who would later lead a guerilla fight against the British Empire and Pakistan from his base in Gurwek , North Waziristan . During the concluding session on 14 March 2022,

3038-547: The organizers of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement announced that they would reconvene the protest if their demands were not fulfilled by the government. In the 1990s, a similar series of Pashtun Jirgas was started by Afzal Khan Lala of Swat . The last of Afzal Khan Lala's Pashtun Jirgas was held in May 2012 at Nishtar Hall , Peshawar to campaign for the national unity of Pashtuns and protest the deaths of millions of Afghans in

3100-489: The other was hosted on 7 August 2021 in Hashtnagar , Charsadda by Afzal Khamosh of the Mazdoor Kisan Party (MKP). These jirgas, both of which issued their 21-point declarations, were held to discuss the state of law and order, instability in the Pashtun region , natural resources, the trust gap between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the reopening of trade routes between the two countries. The jirgas also discussed problems of

3162-515: The religion-political alliance Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) riding on a wave of anti-American sentiment in Pakistan. In the 2008 parliamentary elections , the ANP dominated the far-right wing coalition, the MMA, a party formed by a coalition of Islamic movements in 2002. The ANP has also won provincial seats in Balochistan and in Sindh for the first time in 15 years. It formed a coalition government with

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3224-432: The shoulders, a sure sign and recognition of a Pashtun. The turban itself has been a symbol of pride and the center of many Pashto proverbs. However, it should be mentioned that different tribes have different types of turbans unique to them, as such tribal styles have been persevered for centuries. They are worn in everyday life by male elders, adults and tribal leaders as sign of status and respect. The common turban comes in

3286-577: The tribal areas, or use violence or collective punishment against entire villages and tribes, and that they would not impose the frequent curfews on the movement of locals after minor incidents. Another demand was to remove all land mines planted in the Pashtun tribal areas, which had resulted in many civilian casualties. The protesters said that since 2009, more than 35 people including children had been killed due to land mines in South Waziristan alone. The sit-in in Islamabad ended on 10 February, but

3348-500: The two parties, after Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto ordered a military action that brutally failed. The Awami National Party later formed an alliance with the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) in early June 1989 which led to a formal split in the party with many activists allying with the PPP. After the election of Nawaz Sharif in 1990, the ANP again formed a coalition with former rivals PML. This alliance proved longer lasting, surviving till 1998 when it collapsed over differences over

3410-635: The winding sheets, they wear long loose white boots of calico, fastened by a silken garter above the knees and turned back like a falling collar, in order to display the lining. The soles of these baglike leggings are of shawl and the garters, in their glittering tissues bear emblazed holy memorials, acts of zeal, and love recorded eminents from - from the Quran, the loose boots and veils are also embraided in white and coloured silk. They sit aside on horse back generally behind their own husband or one of their own sex Women wear long, colorful traditional clothing similar to

3472-428: The world's largest tribal ethnicity, Pashtun society is guarded by a code of common rules, customs and social behaviors, known collectively as Pashtunwali . The code is based on personal honor and promotes courage, self-respect, independence, leadership, justice and hospitality. One of the trademark and historical headwear of Pashtun men is an adorned turban wrapped tightly around a hat with one of its ends loose over

3534-668: Was appointed its first secretary general. From 1986 to 1988, the ANP party was a member of the Movement for Restoration of Democracy . Since its inception, the ANP has been an important ally of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The party formed a coalition government with the PPP in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and in Sindh province and Islamabad for central government after the Pakistani parliamentary elections in 1988. This alliance, however, collapsed in April 1989 after differences cropped up between

3596-402: Was formed after the partition of India , most of its leaders had favoured a united India, and had opposed the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan . Most of the leaders were Indian National Congress right hands before the partition of India. Both men were opposed to the creation of Pakistan, and after the creation of Pakistan in 1947, they were imprisoned. In 1956 Wali Khan joined

3658-529: Was formed in 1986 by the merger of several left-leaning parties including the Awami Tehrik and the National Democratic Party . The National Democratic Party merged with several other progressive political and nationalist groups to form the Awami National Party. Wali Khan, the influential Pashtun and Soviet-backed leader, was elected as its first president and Sindhi socialist Rasul Bux Palejo

3720-696: Was held at Mirakhel Cricket Ground in Bannu , Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , from 11 to 14 March 2022 to discuss the critical issues faced by the Pashtuns in Pakistan and Afghanistan . It was attended by about 5,000 delegates, including politicians, tribal chiefs , researchers, clerics , religious minorities , women and human rights activists . Mahmood Khan Achakzai , Nawab Ayaz Jogezai , Muhammad Khan Achakzai , Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal , Abdul Qahar Wadan , Obaidullah Babat , Nasrullah Zayrai , Khushal Kakar , and Arfa Siddiq of

3782-616: Was routed in the 2002 elections because of its opposition to the Taliban and support for the NATO-backed Karzai administration in neighboring Afghanistan. It joined the opposition All Parties Democratic Movement, and along with other parties except the Pakistan Peoples Party resigned from Parliament in October 2007 in protest against the military regime of Pervez Musharraf. It was targeted in 2007 and 2008 by presumed supporters of

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3844-453: Was the largest Pashtun nationalist party in Pakistan between 2008−2013 with influence lying in the Pashtun dominated areas in and around Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa . They governed the province from 2008 to 2013 but lost to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the assembly election of 2013. Abdul Wali Khan 's political career had been built on the tradition of intense Pashtun nationalism inherited from his father, Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan). Although it

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