THE ORIGIN OF PAKHTŪN/PUSHTŪN AND THEIR ARRIVAL IN THE PESHĀWAR VALLEY

Abstract

ThePushtūns/ Pakhtūnsare a major ethnic group on the Pākistān-Afghānistān border. ThePushtūns are highly concerned with origin, descent and genealogies. There are multiple claims or theories about the origin of thePushtūns. This paper is related to the origin of Pushtūnsand their arrival in the Peshāwar valley, old name isGandhāra. The paper also highlights the history of Yūsufzai branch and their arrival in the Peshāwar valley whose original occupation was in Kābul valley.