So this is a response to Renata's question. The most important thing to know in Pashtun culture is called pashtunwali or really meaning (way of the pashtuns). When I was younger my dad kind of explained it to me as the "rulebook" of the Pashtuns. He said it was basically the rules for surviving. I really don't know where it orginated from, but even being in the United States my father still lives his life generally like Pashtunwali. Here are the main rules of Pashtunwali:
1.Melmastia (hospitality)- This just means being hosipital and freindly to all vistors. This is also means we have to respect any visitor no matter what race, ethinicty, social statu or what the person looks like. This changes though if the person is an enemy obviously
2.Nanawatai(Sancuary)-This means we must give protection to any human being that requests it. Even if it is someone on the run from the law, we protect that person till they are prooven guilty. Onetime my cousin was in a domestic dispute and came running to my familys house for protection, my family gave it to her and didn't tell her husband where she was. We ended up keeping her in the house till next moring. My cousin made with her husband now and all is well.
3.Badal (justice)-This means to get revenge on a wrongdoer.
4.tureh(bravery)-You have defend your house/land and of course your country
5.sabat(loyalty)- must be loyal to family, freinds and fellow tribal members.
6.Imandari (righteousness) - A Pashtun must always strive towards thinking good thoughts, speaking good words and doing other good deeds. Pashtuns must behave respectfully towards all creations including people, animals and the environment around them.
7.Isteqamat -must trust in god
8.Ghayrat (self honour or dignity) - Pashtuns must maintain their human dignity. Honour has great importance in Pashtun society and most other codes of life are aimed towards the preservation of one's honour or pride. They must respect themselves and others in order to be able to do so, especially those they do not know. Respect begins at home, among family members and relatives
9.Namus (Honor of women) - A Pashtun must defend the honor of Pashtun women at all costs and must protect them from vocal and physical harm.
For more info on this check this site:
http://afghanland.com/culture/pashtunwali.html