What was the original name of Paktia Province?
Paktia used to be a unified province with Khost and Paktika, these three provinces are now referred to as Loya Paktia, meaning “Greater Paktia”. Paktia came to prominence during the 1980s, when a significant portion of Afghanistan’s leadership originated from the province.
Where does most of the population of Paktia live?
Paktia is a largely mountainous province, with most of the population living in the central valley stretching from Ahmadkhel in the east down through Zurmat and into neighboring Paktika province. The eastern part of the province, particularly Tsamkani and Dand Aw Patan, is a second valley leading into Pakistan.
Where did the Civil War start in Paktia?
Immediately after the fall of the Taliban government, Paktia was one of the most chaotic regions in the country, as a small civil war broke out between rival militia commanders for control of the province, and Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters gave occupying U.S. troops some of their heaviest losses in the cave complexes south of Gardez.
How big is the province of Paktia in Afghanistan?
Paktia ( Pashto / Dari: پکتيا – Paktyā) is one of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan, located in the east of the country. Forming part of the larger Loya Paktia region, Paktia Province is divided into 15 districts and has a population of roughly 623,000, which is mostly a tribal society living in rural areas.
Who is the Governor of Paktia in Afghanistan?
Parts of Paktia are also believed to be a safe haven for militants from the Haqqani network, an anti-government combat organisation involved in the Taliban insurgency. Mohammad Halim Fidai has been governor of the province since July 2020. The city of Gardez serves as the capital of the province.
Which is the most mountainous district of Paktia?
Jaji (Zazi) and Jani Khel districts are largely mountainous with much smaller inhabited valleys. The Khost-Gardez Pass area, to the south of Gardez, is mountainous with settlements limited to the main pass and smaller valleys. As of 2005, Azra district is no longer a part of Paktya.