The Identity of Pashtuns: Beyond Desi and South Asian

As a Pashtun, my identity transcends the labels of Desi or South Asian. Though genetically and culturally derived from the Indian subcontinent, Pashtuns have their unique heritage that sets them apart from other regional groups. My perspective on Pashtun identity is not just a reflection of my personal experience but a widely shared sentiment among Pashtuns.

Cultural and Linguistic Divisibility

The disparity in culture, language, and religion between Pashtuns and South Asians (Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan) is significant. We Pashtuns share linguistic roots with Iranian languages, particularly Dari and Persian, which are geographically and historically distinct from the Indo-Aryan languages spoken in South Asia. Moreover, our religious, social, and moral ethics have more in common with Middle Eastern cultures, evident in our customs, traditions, and social norms.

Geographical and Ethnic Context

Technically, Afghanistan, where the majority of modern Pashtuns reside, is not classified as part of South Asia but Central Asia. This geographical classification is crucial in understanding our ethnic and cultural distinctiveness. The Afghans, including Pashtuns, trace their ancestry back to the ancient Helmand civilization of Helmand Province, south of Kandahar, and the Pactyans of Loy Pakhtia, in eastern Afghanistan. Our genetic heritage also includes North-western Indian ancestry and Iranian Hephthalite influence.

Anthropological Evidence

The argument that Pashtuns are South Asian is based on genetic studies that often categorize them as part of the AASI (Ancient Ancestral South Indians) population. However, historically, Pashtuns are not classified as South Asians, at least not in the modern anthropological sense. Notable historical texts, such as those by Al-Biruni in the 11th century, describe Afghan tribes living in the mountainous regions west of India.

Perceptions of Pashtuns in the West

In the diaspora, particularly in the Western world, the term Desi has been used to refer to individuals from South Asia, often leading to confusion. Growing up in Pakistan, the term Desi was associated with local products and cultural practices, not with a specific ethnic group. As a Pashtun, there's a stark difference in how we are perceived and how we perceive ourselves. In the west, we often relate better with Middle Easterners, sharing more cultural and linguistic similarities.

Visual and Ethnographic Clues

The physical appearance of Pashtuns can also distinguish them from South Asians. A simple experiment can illustrate this: compare the cricket teams of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. The Afghan cricket team, predominantly or entirely composed of Pashtuns, often bears a distinct physical appearance, one that is less like the people of other South Asian countries. This reflects our cultural and genetic heritage.

Conclusion

While it is true that genetic studies may categorize Pashtuns as part of AASI, the cultural and historical context paints a different picture. Our identity as Pashtuns is rooted in a distinct set of cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions that set us apart from South Asians. Whether we are Desi or South Asian is a matter of perspective, and for many Pashtuns, it is a label that does not resonate with our authentic self.