Pashtunwali

Pashtunwali (Pashto: پښتونوالی‎) or Pakhtunwali is a non-written ethical code and traditional lifestyle which the indigenous Pashtun people follow. Some in the Indian subcontinent refer to it as "Pathanwali". Its meaning may also be interpreted as "the way of the Pashtuns" or "the code of life". Pashtunwali dates back to ancient pre-Islamic times and is widely practised among Pashtuns, especially in rural tribal society. In addition to being practiced by members of the Pashtun diaspora, it has been adopted by some non-Pashtun Afghans or Pakistanis who live in Pashtun regions or close to Pashtuns, and have gradually become Pashtunized over time.

There are ten main principles of Pashtunwali. Although Pashtunwali is believed to date back to the pre-Islamic period, its usage or practice does not contravene basic Islamic principles.

The countless graces of Paradise come through Pashtu to the Pashtuns. —Ghani Khan, 1977