Pashayi or
Pashai 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
Gandhari. 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.