Afridi (Pashtun)
| Languages | |
|---|---|
| Vernacular: Pashto Diaspora: Urdu |
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| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
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Khattaks · Orakzais · Wazirs · Mehsuds and other Karlani Pashtun tribes |
The Afridi (Pashto: اپريدی Apriday, plur. اپريدي Afridi; Urdu: آفریدی) is a Karlani Pashtun tribe present in Pakistan, with substantial numbers in Afghanistan. The Afridis are most dominant in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas, inhabiting about 100p mi² (3000 km²) of rough hilly area in the eastern Spin Ghar range west of Peshawar, covering most of Khyber Agency, FR Peshawar and FR Kohat. Their territory includes the Khyber Pass and Maidan in Tirah. Afridi migrants are also found in India, mostly in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jammu and Kashmir.
The Afridis are historically known for the strategic location they inhabit and their belligerence against outside forces; battling the Mughal dynasty's armies throughout Mughal rule. The later clashes against British expeditions comprised the most savage fighting of the Anglo-Afghan Wars.
After the independence of Pakistan, Afridi tribesmen also helped attack Jammu and Kashmir for Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1947. Today, Afridis make use of their dominant social position in FATA and areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by controlling transport and various businesses, including trade in arms, munitions, and other goods.
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