The Jirga is the Pukhtoon assembly in which all public and private affairs are settled. The Jirga, of which the Khan is the head, now contends with the state judiciary in the settled districts. Rules of the federal and provincial governments are enforced through state intervention. The decisions of the village Jirga in the districts have to be reinforced by the court of law if the law enforcement authorities have also registered the case. Unlike in the tribal areas, a legal permit is required for the manufacture and possession of arms and ammunition. The Hujra is traditionally a male club and social centre, which exists in every village of the tribal as well as settled areas. It is the focus of community opinions and actions. While Hujras exist in the villages of the settled districts as well, they have lost much of their functional importance. Traditionally, the conduct of Pukhtoons was guided by a code of honor called the Pukhtunwali. The foremost commandment of the Pukhtunwali is Badal or revenge (revenge is a dish which tastes better cold, Pukhtoon proverb). The obligations to take revenge for wrong falls not only upon the man who has suffered it, but also upon his family and tribe. Insults and retaliation hence involve clans and perpetuate blood feuds. The most frequent causes of trouble are money, women and land (zar, zan, and zamin). In rare instance, feuds are terminated when the weaker party throws itself on the mercy of its enemy, called Nanawati or acceptance of a bonafide truce, when blood money may be accepted in lieu of revenge. The third component of Pukhtunwali is Melmastia, or hospitality towards a guest, stranger, or an enemy if he seeks it. A formal escort or assurance of safety to a guest or enemy is called Badragga. The Pukhtunwali provides for law and order in a harsh environment, and is still a strong force in the tribal areas. Women are intelligent and aggressive within the limits prescribed by custom. They play an important role in arranging marriages and alliances between families. Women also provide the practical means of implementing Melmastia. Women of the working classes are responsible for domestic work, some outdoors. They do not observe Purdah in the same way as the affluent classes. With modernization, more and more women have emerged into the working world and can be found performing well in offices and industries Family An attractive feature of the Pukhtun way of life is the joint family system, which signifies their deep love for the family's solidarity and welfare. The desire for communal life emanates from a consideration of economic security and integrity. All the family members, even the married sons, live jointly in a house large enough to separately accommodate each married couple under the authority of the father who as head of the family, manages the family affairs and exercises an immense influence in his own domain. All the earning hands of the family, married as well as unmarried, contribute their share of income to the common pool of resources. All expenses on food, clothing, education, health, birth, marriages and deaths are defrayed from the common fund. The mantle of authority falls on the eldest son's shoulders after the death of the father or when old age renders him unable to discharge his functions. The internal management of the household rests with the mother who exercises her authority within her own sphere of influence. The joint family system, however, is gradually giving way to individualistic trends under the impact of modern influence. It is losing its hold, particularly in educated classes and well off sections. Food Dry fruits are produced in Shabqadar and very popular all over the world. One special thing which is very famous among Pathans is chappal kabab. It also popular among the people of Pakistan. They also eat mutton, biryani and pallow. The food of the people is of most simple character. The major food items are wheat, vegetables, maize and meat. Tea is taken a lot and people of the area have a craving for tea. The people take food three times a day. Although the daily intake of food may not be of the standard recommended by the doctors, still it is nutritious and the people by and large are healthy. The food is generally entirely the produce of the cattle and land of the area. Dress Pathans usually wear shalwar qameez with turban. There turban is symbol of honor. Women wear embroided qameez which contains lot of glass work. There embroided dresses are very famous among the women of Pakistan. The people wear the usual Pathan dress of shalwar kameez. This is a loose shirt and pajama. The women’s dresses differ in the sense that it is often colorful with different patterns printed on it or embroided. The women also wear a diaphanous shawl. “Sharay” is taken which is an excellent tool for protection from severe cold. The women also wear such shawl but like their dress, is more colorful and of bright color. Men usually wear a cap (topi) on their heads. The traditional headgear of kullah, pagrai or patki is now a days very rare. Similarly khalka chughas and posteen are also almost obsolete and the more modern wear of jackets, blazers and pullovers have taken their place. A very fine type of hand woven cloth is manufactured here known as “Khamta”. This is a specialty of the area and is famous all over Pakistan. The common shoes are made of leather known as ”Saplay”. Charsadda has assumed a special status as a center for some of the finest shoes made in the country. These shoes known as “Saplay” in Pushtoo are commonly known as “Peshawari chappal”. The price may range from 200/- to 800/-
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