A grim pattern dominates headlines in Pakistan: women falling victim to violence justified in the name of ‘honour.’ Human Rights Watch estimates that around 1,000 Pakistani women are murdered annually in such crimes, their lives extinguished over perceived breaches of cultural norms, including forbidden relationships, defiance of traditional roles, or supposed moral failings. Tragically, many such cases go unreported, especially in the tribal areas.
While women from all ethnic groups suffer from these injustices, the Pashtun society offers a unique lens through which to examine the issue. For centuries, Pashtunwali, a tribal code of conduct, has guided the lives of Pashtuns. Often described as a code of honour, Pashtunwali predates Islam and is deeply embedded in the Pashtun psyche, shaping their values, actions, and societal structures.
Pashtunwali’s core principles—melmastia (hospitality), badal (revenge), and nanawati (submission or asylum)—are complemented by other ideals such as toora (bravery), musawat (equality), and nang (honour). Among these, nang has historically been a defining aspect, compelling Pashtuns to protect the integrity of their women, fellow tribesmen, and homeland. However, the interpretation of nang has been heavily skewed towards controlling women’s lives, often with devastating consequences.
The notion of honour has become a weapon used to subjugate women, reinforcing patriarchy and perpetuating systemic injustices. Paighor (taunts) from other men often drive Pashtun men to commit violence against their own daughters and sisters to avoid enduring humiliation. Honour, in this twisted sense, becomes less about integrity and more about external validation and tribal prestige.
Women, under Pashtunwali, are treated as symbols of familial and tribal honour, leading to deeply misogynistic practices. Traditions like swara (marrying girls to settle disputes), walwar (bride price), ghag (claiming a girl without her consent), and sharmuna (penalties for ‘shameful acts’) exploit women as commodities. A woman labelled mateeza (for eloping or choosing her partner) often faces the ultimate punishment—death at the hands of her own family.
This distortion of Pashtunwali’s ideals has turned a once-proud ethical code into a tool of oppression. While the original intent of Pashtunwali was to uphold justice and equality, its practice today disproportionately targets women, rendering them voiceless in a society that professes to value fairness and integrity.
To address these issues, Pashtuns must redefine nang as a gender-equal concept, moving away from its current patriarchal interpretation. Honour should not rest on the control of women’s choices or their adherence to rigid societal roles. Instead, it should reflect courage in standing against oppression, advocating for justice, and embracing gender equality.
True honour lies in empowering women to have agency over their lives, protecting their rights, and rejecting outdated practices that treat them as property. It means recognising that nang is not diminished by a woman’s independence but is instead elevated by her freedom to live with dignity.
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Moreover, it is essential to shift Pashtun society’s understanding of integrity. Honour is not in silencing daughters or policing sisters but in championing their education, autonomy, and equal participation in decision-making. It involves reimagining Pashtunwali as a progressive force, where principles like musawat (equality) and bawar (trust) extend equally to men and women.
The path forward requires collective introspection and reform within Pashtun society. Community leaders, educators, and policymakers must play pivotal roles in fostering this transformation. Campaigns that challenge harmful practices, amplify women’s voices, and celebrate gender equality are crucial for reshaping the narrative around Pashtunwali.
Ultimately, reclaiming Pashtunwali as a gender-equal code is not just about redefining honour but about restoring the essence of a culture that values justice, respect, and humanity. Pashtun society must rise above archaic interpretations and embrace a future where nang reflects a commitment to equality for all, ensuring a fairer, more inclusive world for generations to come.
