About Awan Tribe

Awan, a South Asian tribe, putatively of Arab origin, living predominantly in western and central parts of Punjab, Pakistan. The Ferozsons Urdu-English Dictionary lists the Awans as a tribe whose name is of Arabic origin and means "assistant" or "helper"; this somewhat supports the traditional claim of the Awans vis-à-vis their origins. Because the majority of Awans subscribe to the belief that they are the descendants of the fourth Caliph, Ali (though the bulk of those belonging to the tribe are not Shias), a number adopt the title, Alvi, although not all of those who refer to themselves as Alvi are Awans.