Paktia is one of the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan. It is in the east of the country. Its capital is Gardez. It used to cover Khost Province, which was split off recently.

Doctor Najibullah Ahmadzai, former president of Afghanistan, is from Paktia province. He was born in Melan Valley.

Paktia, shares open borders with Pakistani administrated tribal agency of North Waziristan and Kurram Agency.

Paktia is thought to be one of the most bitter battlefields for occupying forces of both Russia and The US.

Major inhabitants of Paktia are Tribals from Mangal,Jadran, Wazir,Gurbaz,Kurram and Kuchi tribes.

The famous Zhawar cave complex,which was targeted many times by the Russian and US lies to the South East of Paktia.

Paktia is made up of 12 districts (District Centers are given in parentheses):

• Azra District (Sur Kac)
• Tsamkani (Chamkani)
• Dand Wa Patan (Ghondai)
• Gardez Disrict (Gardez, Afghanistan)
• Zadran District (Waza, Afghanistan)
• ZaZi (Ali Khel)
• Jani Khel District (Jani Khel)
• Lazha Mangal District (Lazha)
• Sayed Karam District (Seyyed Karam)
• Shamal District (Shamal, Afghanistan)
• Shwak District (Shwak)
• Zurmat District (Zarmal)
• Ahmadzai District (Ahmadaba)

Important geographical features

• Shahi-Kot Valley