Countries and Their Cultures: Pashai

The Pashai are an ethnic group located in the northeast corner of Afghanistan. They are estimated to number about 108,000 (1982). "Pashai" is the term used to refer to a specific language, to the speakers of that language, and to the area that some of the Pashai speakers inhabit. The Pashai economy is one of mixed herding and agriculture. Feuds are an important part of Pashai culture and many cultural values are reflected in the feud. The Pashai are Sunni Muslims, however, in many Pashai villages, women are not secluded, may interact freely with men, and possess a degree of sexual freedom uncommon in most areas of Afghanistan.