In Pakistan, a Pathan joke is an ethnic joke that is centred typically on stereotypes concerning Pashtun people. In Urdu, the word "Pathan" is used as a variant which loosely refers to Pashtuns or people who have Pashtun ancestry.[1][2] Pathan jokes are controversial and are considered racist and inappropriate by a section of society.[3]
Similar to the Sardarji jokes in India which revolve around Punjabi Sikh people, Pathan jokes are a popular trend of a number of race-based jokes which are circulated in Pakistan. Shoaib Taimur, a blogger at The Express Tribune, says that Pashtuns tend to be more often the "punchline" and "whipping boys" in racist jokes.[3] Taimur explains that like money jokes are made on Memons (a community known for their iconic reputation as businesspeople and philanthropists), all jokes related to "stupidity and sex" are relegated to Pashtuns.[3] These jokes are mostly the result of existing cultural portrayals and perceptions of the Pashtun people being marred by negative stereotypes. While Pashtuns are also famously known for their hospitality, bravery and sense of honour as embedded in their ethical code of Pashtunwali, these facts according to Taimur, tend to be overlooked by disproportionately represented Pashtun stereotypes in popular culture and the media.[3]
Pashtuns are frequently viewed and depicted as being illiterate, intellectually backward and found doing only menial blue collar work.[3] In recent times, issues such as the Taliban, which predominantly consists of Pashtun members, and the war against militancy in Afghanistan have further changed peoples' perceptions and increased animosity towards the Pashtun community, with Pashtuns being characterised as violent and held responsible for the conflict.[3][4]