Durrani (Pashtun tribal confederacy)

Durrani or Abdali is the name of a major Pashtun tribal confederation in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Originally known by their ancient name Abdali, they have been called Durrani since the beginning of the Durrani Empire in 1747.

The number of Durranis are estimated to be roughly sixteen percent of the population of Afghanistan or five million individuals.

Durrani are found throughout Afghanistan.

Large concentrations are found in the South and to a lesser extent in east, west and central Afghanistan.

They are also found in large numbers in Pakistan, mainly inhabiting the western area of that nation.

The Durrani Pashtuns of Afghanistan are usually bilingual in Pashto and Persian; those of Pakistan, in Pashto and Urdu.

The Durranis have been prominent leaders—the royal family of Afghanistan is derived from this tribe—and a substantial number of Durrani Pashtuns are bureaucrats and public officials, as well as businessmen, and wealthy merchants, and many hold high ranks in the military.