The Pathan

The Pathans, or Pukhtara as they call themselves, form 55% of the population of Afghanistan and 13% of Pakistan. In Pakistan the majority live in the North West Frontier Province. Altogether there are approximately 11.5 million Pathans. In the past they have withstood invasion by Alexander the Great, the Moghul Emperors, the Russians and the British, and have earned themselves a reputation of being proud, independent warriors.

All Pathans speak Pushto, of which there are three main dialects and many local variations.

The Pathans have their own moral code, called 'pukhtunwali', which must be adhered to. This code, which is interpreted by the 'jirga' or council of elders, often conflicts with Islamic laws. The pukhtunwali has three main parts:

• Revenge - This is usually taken over disputes concerning gold, women or land. Revenge is obligatory and may continue through many generations. It either involves the spilling of blood or the law courts.
• Hospitality - Food drink and shelter are available for all, and are sometimes pressed upon one to an alarming extent. In its grander forms hospitality has more to do with personal prestige than with the wellbeing of the guest. Hospitality may supersede revenge if one's enemies come for shelter.
• Refuge - This is the giving of asylum to escapees from the law.

Pathans are mainly farmers but during the twentieth century most have changed from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle. In recent years there has been an exodus to the cities to find work. In Karachi alone there are 2 million Pathans.

Pathan women live simple lives in their homes, although the primary education of girls is gradually gaining acceptance. Their whole way of life is governed by the need to maintain 'purdah'. This means 'curtain' and describes the segregation of women from all men other than close relatives. When they leave the home all women cover themselves at least with a shawl, but more often with an all-enveloping burkha with only a slit to see through. Marriages are always arranged by the girl's parents.

Pathans say that "to be a Pathan is to be a Muslim". They know of no exceptions. Men and women follow the orthodox style of religious practice of Sunni Islam. Most learn to read the Qur'an in Arabic, pray regularly and keep the fast of Ramadan. Some of the religious practices have animistic undertones.

Christian work among the Pathans dates back to William Carey's Serampore Mission which published the first Pushto New Testament in 1818. New translations of the Old and New Testament were published about 1890. A revised New Testament was printed in the early 1990s.

Many missions have attempted to reach the Pathans for Christ but have experienced many casualties and little fruit. At present there are only a few workers among them. The Pathans are very resistant with little interest in the Gospel. They present one of the strongest challenges to the Christian church.