Pashai

Total population
500,000[1]
Regions with significant populations
Laghman, Kapisa and Nangarhar
Languages
Pashayi language Pashto also spoken as second language[2]
Religion
Islam
Related ethnic groups
Pashtuns, Kalash, Nuristani and Kashmiris

Pashai are a Dardic ethno-linguistic group living primarily in eastern Afghanistan. Their total population is estimated to be 500,000.^[3] They are mainly concentrated in the northern parts of Laghman and Nangarhar provinces and eastern Kapisa province. Pashai are believed to be descendants of ancient Gāndhārī.^[4][5] Many Pashai consider themsleves Pashtuns speaking a special language,^[6] and many are bilingual in Pashto.^[2] Small Pashai communities can also be found in the Chitral district of northwestern Pakistan. Pashai are Sunni Muslims and are often referred to as Kohistani.^[6]

“

Pashae , or Pashie or Pakhae are Pukhto attributive plural forms , meaning of the Pash , or Pakh . The Pashae are still found by that name in the Bamian and Lughman districts in the southern valleys [7]

”

[edit] Notable individuals

• The Northern Alliance commander Hazrat Ali.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Pashayi language
• Dardic languages

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