he Pathans live in the North West Frontier Province and, while there are many Pathan tribes, a basic division can he made between those who live and work as settled peasants and those who inhabit the mountains that straddle the border with Afghanistan. These mountain-dwelling Pathans have a Justified reputation for being a warlike and rugged people. Their social environment hears some resemblance to the early days of America's Wild West in that the carrying of guns and knives is considered normal and expected behavior.

In keeping with their warlike reputation, Pathans tend to be tall and strongly built with a high regard for fighting prowess. In the 19th century, they were the scourge of the British, who fought numerous unsuccessful battles against them, attempting to secure control of the Khyber Pass. The British dubbed them the best guerrilla fighters in Asia.

The Pathan tribes are fiercely insular and conservative, and in some respects they live on the periphery of mainstream Pakistani life. Conflict with government agencies is common, and when, for example, plans were made for a new road to be built across the land belonging to one tribe, resistance by the Pathans escalated into pitched battles with the authorities. The issue has still not been settled!

The total Pathan population is estimated at between 15 million and 17 million, with 10 million living in Pakistan and the rest in Afghanist.