1: Pashtun People
33,000,000 +
(55,000,000+ including Pathans of Punjab)
Pashtuns speak Pashto language and follow Pashtunwali, which is a traditional set of ethics . The origin of Pashtuns is unclear but historians have come across references to various ancient peoples called Pakthas (Pactyans) between the 2nd and the 1st millennium BC, who may be their early ancestors. Often characterised as a warrior and martial race,
The Pashtun are said to be elegant, colorfully attired, hospitable, considerate, fierce in hatred, and kind in friendship. Though very dedicated to their religious beliefs, they are also fond of pleasure. They are known for their marksmanship and their love of honor.
2: Jat Tribe
32,000,000 +
The Jat People are a traditional agricultural community mostly found in Pakistan and North India. Originally pastoralists from the Sindh region of Pakistan; Jats migrated northwards during the late Medieval era and now hold a considerable influence in Punjab, they have also played an important part in the development of Sikhism. Jat people have a history of being brave and ready fighters. They are fiercely independent in character and value their self respect more than anything, which is why they offered heavy resistance against any foreign force that treated them unjustly. They are known for their pride, bravery and readiness to sacrifice their lives in battle for their people and kinsmen.
3: Rajput Tribe
17,000,000 +
The name Rajput is derived from the Sanskrit word rajaputra, meaning son of a ruler. The Rajputra constitutes a class of nobility. The origins of the Rajputs is a matter of constant debate, but many historians seem to agree they may have originated from the Hephthalites during their invasion of South Asia. The Rajputs have always been a fiercely independent people who were known for their vigorous resistance against foreign invaders. Many Rajputs converted to Islam through a series of marriage alliances with the Mughal Empire and efforts by Sufi missionaries. These Muslim Rajputs would eventually regain power in Sindh and form a long-lasting Dynasty. Rajputs today are recognized for their warrior heritage and strict loyalty towards kinsmen.
4: Shaikh Tribe
13,000,000 +
'Sheikh' is an honorary Arabic title; common among lords, elders and Islamic scholars. Shaikh in South Asia however, is a tribe made up of 2 different groups. Islamic rule in South Asia attracted many technocrats, bureaucrats, soldiers, traders, scientists, architects, teachers, theologians and sufis who flocked from the rest of the Arab and Muslim world, to the Islamic Sultanate in South Asia and settled permanently; being among a higher status they were known as Shaikhs. The second group emerged after many high caste (Brahmins and Khatris) tribes converted to Islam and adopted the title to signify their status. Shaikhs today make up a significant portion of the Pakistani upper class and are often stereotyped as business acumen.
5: Arain Tribe
11,000,000 +
The Arains are an agricultural caste that over the years has reached the echelons of lawmakers and politicians. Arains claim to be descendants of Arab settlers brought by Muhammad Bin Qasim's invasion of Sindh; supported by the fact they populate the routes taken by Muhammad Bin Qasim's invasion. However some scholars link Arains with Persian and Rajput origins. The British favoured them for their "hard work, frugality and sense of discipline". Subsequent development of towns and cities and increasing urbanisation resulted in the value of the land settled by Arain to rise significantly, and Arain families thus flourished. Education was prioritised with the new-found wealth and the Arain came to dominate the legal profession amongst urban Punjabi Muslims. Many used law to enter politics.
