Afghan (
Pashto also
Persian: افغان; see
etymology) refers to something from
Afghanistan, particularly a citizen of that country. Prior to this definition, it was used by Persian speakers and those influenced by the Persian language to denote the
Pashtun people. In modern times, "Afghan" is rarely used as an ethnic term for the
Pashtuns but is rather used as the national
demonym for all citizens of Afghanistan —
Pashtuns,
Tajiks, and also a large number of
Hazaras,
Uzbeks,
Aimaqs,
Turkmens,
Balochs,
Nuristanis,
Pashayis,
Pamiris,
Arabs, and others. According to the
Encyclopædia Iranica, the word Afghan (afḡān) in current political usage means any citizen of Afghanistan, regardless of their tribal or religious affiliation. According to the
1964 Constitution of Afghanistan, all Afghans are equal in rights and obligations before the law. The fourth article of the current
Constitution of Afghanistan states that citizens of Afghanistan consist of
Pashtuns,
Tajiks,
Hazara,
Uzbek,
Turkmen,
Aymaq,
Arab,
Baluch,
Pashayi,
Nuristani,
Qezelbash,
Gujjars,
Brahui, and members of other tribes.