The Malik (Punjabi/Urdu: مَلِک) are a clan of Punjabi Pathans found in Pakistan. They are part of the greater Kakazai Pashtun tribe, often referring to themselves as Malik Kakazai. They are descendants of the Pashtun emigrants originally from northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly of Dir and Malakand, whom settled in Punjab in the late 18th century. Despite Pashtun roots, they have become culturally and linguistically Punjabi and lost touch with the Pashto language and Pashtun traditions. A significant number of Malik Kakazai reside in Sialkot among other Kakazai clans, as well as Rawalpindi..

References