Bazigh Khan raised his hand to calm the men. ‘That will not be necessary,’ he said. ‘We must allow the daughter of our Khan to hear what each of us has to say. That is our way and has been since time began.’ So, one by one, they came forward and put their case.

Jia listened, paying close attention to every word. They put their plight before her, heaped praise upon her father and demanded justice for his death. And as she listened, she realised they would never accept her as their equal, so she resolved to play a different game.

‘You have done me a great honour by inviting me here,’ she said. ‘I know that you have done so out of love for our laws and for my father. Jaanan Khan is right, I am only a woman and I know little of the world of men. Women know only the pain of leaving their family behind to help a man build his name and his family; the pain of being heavy with child, a child that will carry a man’s name; the pain of giving birth; of love, of suckling your male child for two whole years, pouring every ounce of life into him only for him to turn around and tell you he knows better than you. The West would have us believe that women are equal to men, but you and I know we are not. Women can only live as equals if men permit it, if men support us, step aside to allow us to progress, if they help us stand and place our feet on the ladder of success. My father was one such man and he was proud that his Jirga was full of such men. And so, because I know you to be men of honour and forward-thinking, and because you know my weaknesses, I am asking you to stand by me as your daughter and sister. I am your honour. We are Pukhtun. Help me to make things right, help me to deliver what you need. Give me time and I will bring you badal and my brother, your son.’ She paused, emphasising the word, reminding them that they were family. ‘But you must trust me and assist me in this process. I cannot do it without you.’

As she spoke she saw each man’s face soften, his head bow, some in shame, others in understanding, and she knew she had won. They had expected her to defend her position the way a man would; they had been ready for a fight but not for her surrender.