Pashtun Hospitality

The  Pashtuns  have been  described  as one  of the  most hospitable people in the world.   In the public sphere, Pashtuns are always very helpful. Pashtuns are friendly to foreigners, and will often welcome them into their homes. With regard to locals, however, they are very selective in who they will take into their homes because of “purdah” (the segregation of non-related men and women) and because they are slow to trust fellow Pashtuns. Therefore, it is an honor to be treated to their warm hospitality in their homes. The Pashtuns take their social obligations very seriously. Their social obligations are primarily towards members of their extended family and a few others with whom they deem it beneficial to maintain a relationship.  Food is considered sacred and is the most     important thing to  be shared with guests.  A Pashtun host would never ask if their guest would like something to eat or drink.  Tea and snacks are always provided.

“Nanawatey”

The grant of asylum, or hospitality to a stranger, is a famous (though at the individual level largely mythical) Pashtun character quality. It is occasionally practiced by powerful tribal landlords who are beyond the reach of the laws of the land. If anyone is granted asylum by a Pashtun clan, he will be protected, even at the risk of their own lives. The practice of Nanawatey has  been known to be a cause of conflict with government forces, as some tribal Pashtuns have harbored known outlaws.  The Pashtuns may not feel any particular affinity toward someone they grant protection  to, yet they are bound by their  sense  of  obligation to do so.  The Pashtuns consider giving up a man who has been granted asylum an act against their code of  ethics.  They are willing to suffer, fight, and even die before handing over a guest to those who would want to cause him harm.  The denial of protection would be impossible for the Pashtuns who observe this code, because of the shame it would bring.

Nanawatey today 

Bin Laden was welcomed by the Pashtuns for two main reasons. First of all, he postured himself as a defender of Islam. The Pashtuns also see themselves as defenders of Islam. Secondly, he stood up to the mighty Western powers, making himself a hero throughout the world of Islam.

Nanawateh, or sanctuary, is particularly vexing to Bin Laden’s hunters.  As Pakistani Colonel  Mohammad Effendi states: “Anyone who hands Bin Laden over to the Americans might be 25 million dollars richer in reward money, but the disgrace would hang over this person, along with his family, clan and tribe for many generations.  Whoever betrays him, why, his life wouldn’t be worth an onion.”

This is an example of the fierce loyalty the   Pashtuns are famous for.  Although more and more Pashtuns do not support Bin Laden or Al Qaida, the obligation to keep one’s honor is far more valuable than any amount of money.