Pashayi people

Pashayi

Pashai boy with flower hat
Total population
(Approx. 500,000)
Regions with significant populations
Laghman, Kapisa and Nangarhar
Languages
Pashai language Pashto also spoken as second language
Religion
Islam
Related ethnic groups
Pashtuns, Kalash, Nuristani and Kashmiris

Pashayi or Pashai (Persian: مردم پشه‌ای) are a Dardic ethno-linguistic group living primarily in eastern Afghanistan. Their total population is estimated to be 500,000. They are mainly concentrated in the northern parts of Laghman, Nangarhar, Kunar, Kapisa, Kabul, Baghlan, Nuristan, and also in Ghazni. Some believe the Pashai are descendants of ancient Gāndhārī. Many Pashai consider themselves Pashtuns speaking a special language, and many are bilingual in Pashto. Pashai communities can also be found in the Chitral district of northwestern Pakistan. The majority of Pashai are Sunni Muslims and are often referred to as Kohistani, while a minority are Nizari Ismaili Muslims.