pashtuns adopt a more strict interpretation of islam than other afghan ethnic groups

Answer 1

Not necessarily. Broadly speaking, yes, compared with other ethnic groups such as Tajiks, Uzbeks, or Hazaras the Pashtuns make up more of the religiously conservative population, especially in the rural and eastern parts of the country (near the border with Pakistan). They also form the largest portion of the militant Islamist group known as the Taliban.

However, other Afghans who are considered ethnically Pashtun also live in the major cities of the country, including the capital Kabul. Historically speaking many of these urban Pashtuns were and are moderately religious/secular, educated, and part of the Afghan middle class, limited as it was.