Nangarhar Province

"Nangarhar" redirects here. For other uses, see Nangarhar (disambiguation).

Nangarhar Province ننگرهار
Province
Street in Jalalabad city
Map of Afghanistan with Nangarhar highlighted
Coordinates (Capital): 34.25°N 70.50°E / 34.25; 70.50
Country	Afghanistan
Capital	Jalalabad
Government
• Governor	Hajji Gul Mohammad
• Deputy Governor	Maulvi Niaz Mohammad Wahaj
• Police Chief	Neda Mohammad
Area
• Total	7,727 km2 (2,983 sq mi)
Population  (2021)
• Total	1,735,531
• Density	220/km2 (580/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+4:30 (Afghanistan Time)
Postal code	26XX
ISO 3166 code	AF-NAN
Main languages	Pashto, Dari

Nangarhār is one of Afghanistan’s most significant provinces, both strategically and culturally. Situated in the eastern part of the country, it shares borders with Logar, Kabul, Laghman, and Kunar provinces, as well as an international border with Pakistan, specifically the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This geographical position makes Nangarhār an essential trade and transit hub, historically serving as a gateway between Afghanistan and South Asia.

The province is administratively divided into 22 districts, with Jalalabad as its capital and largest city. Jalalabad is a key economic and cultural center, known for its warm climate, lush greenery, and historical significance. The province has a population of approximately 1,735,531, making it the third most populous province in Afghanistan.Nangarhār is renowned for its cuisine, particularly its fish and karahi dishes, which are popular among locals and visitors alike. Additionally, the province is agriculturally rich, producing fruits such as oranges, pomegranates, and sugarcane. It also plays a vital role in Afghanistan’s economy due to its fertile lands and extensive farming activities.

Historically, Nangarhār has been of great importance. It was a key region during the reign of the Ghaznavids and Ghurids and later became significant during the Mughal Empire. The province also holds a deep connection to Afghan tribal culture, with the Pashtun tribes forming the majority of its population. In recent decades, Nangarhār has been a focal point in Afghanistan’s geopolitical landscape due to its proximity to Pakistan and its strategic importance in regional security.

Beyond its historical and economic significance, Nangarhār is home to several notable landmarks, including the famous Tora Bora cave complex, which has played a role in modern conflicts. The province's diverse landscape, ranging from mountains to fertile plains, further adds to its distinct identity within Afghanistan.

Etymology

The etymology of Nangarhār is a subject of scholarly debate, with various theories suggesting different linguistic and historical origins for the name.

One theory, proposed by Henry George Raverty, suggests that Nangarhār is derived from the Pashto term nang-nahar, meaning "nine streams." This term appears in some Persian chronicles and is believed to refer to the nine streams originating from the Safed Koh mountain range, which lies along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The Safed Koh range is an important geographical feature that provides water to the region, making this interpretation plausible.

However, S. H. Hodivala presents a different perspective, tracing the name back to Sanskrit. He argues that Nangarhār originates from Nagarahara, a term found in a 9th-century inscription discovered at Ghosrawa in present-day Bihar, India. This suggests that the region had historical ties to Indian civilization and possibly Buddhist or Hindu influences before the spread of Islam. Further supporting the Sanskrit connection, Chinese historical records also reference Nangarhār. The name Nà-jiā-luó-ā appears in the annals of the Song dynasty of China, indicating that the region was known to Chinese scholars and travelers, likely due to its position along ancient trade routes, such as the Silk Road.

A third interpretation comes from Henry Walter Bellew, who linked the name to another Sanskrit term, nava-vihara, meaning "nine viharas" (Buddhist monasteries). This suggests that Nangarhār was once a center of Buddhist learning and religious activity, a claim supported by archaeological evidence of ancient Buddhist sites in the region. The province's historical significance in Buddhism is further reinforced by the nearby ruins of Hadda, an ancient Buddhist center known for its stupas and sculptures.

Each of these theories highlights the rich and diverse history of Nangarhār, reflecting its cultural, religious, and linguistic influences over centuries. The region has been a meeting point of civilizations, from the Buddhist and Hindu traditions of ancient India to Persian, Pashto, and Islamic influences in later periods.

History

Further information: History of Afghanistan

Early history

Nangarhār has a rich and complex history, deeply intertwined with major empires and religious traditions over the centuries.

Achaemenid and Mauryan Rule

The region was originally part of the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE) under the Gandhara satrapy, a Persian administrative province that encompassed present-day eastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. During this period, the inhabitants were primarily Eastern Iranian peoples, and their culture was influenced by Zoroastrianism and early Vedic traditions.

Following the conquest of Alexander the Great (330 BCE), the region briefly came under Greek influence before falling to the Maurya Empire (321–185 BCE), led by Chandragupta Maurya. The Mauryans expanded their rule over Gandhara and much of present-day Afghanistan. The Greek general Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander’s successors, attempted to reclaim these territories but ultimately reached a peace treaty with Chandragupta. As part of the agreement, Seleucus ceded lands south of the Hindu Kush to the Mauryan Empire in exchange for 500 war elephants and a marriage alliance.

Under the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (268–232 BCE), Buddhism flourished in the region. Ashoka’s policies promoted Buddhist teachings, leading to the construction of stupas and monasteries, some of which remain in ruins today. The province thus became a significant center of Buddhist learning and pilgrimage.

Buddhism in Nangarhār

By the 5th and 6th centuries CE, Nangarhār was a prominent center of Buddhist scholarship and religious activity. This is evident from the accounts of Song Yun, a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited the area in 520 CE. His travelogues describe the presence of numerous Buddhist relics, suggesting that the faith was still dominant in the region at that time.

• Song Yun mentioned a vihara (monastery) in Nangarhār—referred to in Chinese as Na-lka-lo-hu—which contained what was believed to be the skull of Buddha.
• He also visited Kekalam (likely Mihtarlam in Laghman province), where 13 pieces of Buddha’s cloak and an 18-foot-long mast were preserved.
• In the city of Naki, relics of Buddha’s tooth and hair were enshrined.
• In Kupala Cave, he saw Buddha’s shadow, along with a stone tablet believed to be connected to Ashoka’s inscriptions. This may refer to the Ashokan edicts in Darūntah, which emphasized non-violence and Buddhist principles.

The presence of these relics and descriptions of religious devotion highlight the province’s significance as a Buddhist stronghold before the spread of Islam in later centuries. Today, archaeological remains of stupas, monasteries, and artifacts continue to be unearthed in Nangarhār, reinforcing its historical importance in the Buddhist world.

In the late 10th century, Nangarhār came under the control of the Ghaznavid Empire (977–1186 CE) after the defeat of Jayapala, the ruler of the Hindu Shahi dynasty. This marked a significant turning point in the region’s history, as it signaled the decline of Hindu and Buddhist rule and the gradual expansion of Islam in eastern Afghanistan.

Rule of Successive Dynasties (12th–18th Century)

After the decline of the Ghaznavid Empire, Nangarhār fell under the control of several major Islamic dynasties that shaped Afghanistan’s political and cultural landscape.

1. The Ghurids (12th Century): The Ghurid Empire (1148–1215), originating from central Afghanistan, expanded into eastern regions, including Nangarhār. The Ghurids played a key role in spreading Islam and Persian culture throughout their empire. Under rulers like Ghiyath al-Din Muhammad and Mu'izz al-Din Muhammad (also known as Muhammad of Ghor), the region saw a rise in Islamic architecture and scholarship.
2. The Khaljis and Lodhis (13th–16th Century): After the fall of the Ghurids, the Khalji dynasty (1290–1320), which ruled Delhi, extended its influence into Afghanistan. They were followed by the Lodhi dynasty (1451–1526), another Pashtun-ruled empire based in northern India, which controlled parts of Nangarhār.
3. The Mughals (16th–18th Century): The Mughal Empire (1526–1857) took control of Nangarhār under Babur, who considered Afghanistan an integral part of his empire. The Mughals established military forts and trade routes in the region, and Jalalabad became an important administrative center. However, Mughal rule faced resistance from local Pashtun tribes, who often rebelled against imperial control.
4. The Durrani Empire (1747): In 1747, after the assassination of Nadir Shah of Persia, Ahmad Shah Durrani united the Pashtun tribes and established the Afghan Empire, which included Nangarhār. This marked the beginning of modern Afghan nationalism, with Jalalabad becoming a key stronghold of Durrani rule.

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Anglo-Afghan Wars (19th–20th Century)

Nangarhār played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s conflicts with the British Empire during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

• First Anglo-Afghan War (1839–1842): British-led Indian forces invaded Afghanistan but were defeated in 1842 during their retreat to Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan). The region’s rugged terrain and fierce tribal resistance made British occupation difficult.
• Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880): The British invaded again in 1878, but after initial successes, they faced strong Afghan resistance and eventually withdrew in 1880, reaffirming Afghanistan’s independence.
• Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919): In 1919, King Amanullah Khan led Afghan forces in battles along the Durand Line (the British-drawn border between Afghanistan and British India). Fighting occurred near Nangarhār, but the war ended with Afghanistan regaining full sovereignty from British influence.

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Soviet-Afghan War (1980s) and Mujahideen Insurgency

During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979–1989), Nangarhār became a major base for the mujahideen, who were backed by Pakistan, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.

• Mujahideen Resistance: Armed groups trained in Pakistan launched guerrilla attacks on Soviet-backed government forces from bases in Nangarhār. Fighters from the Arab world, inspired by Islamic militancy, also joined the insurgency.
• Battle of Jalalabad (1989): In one of the war’s most significant battles, Soviet-backed forces defeated the mujahideen near Jalalabad, temporarily securing the region for the government of Mohammad Najibullah.

After the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, Najibullah’s government collapsed in 1992, leading to mujahideen infighting and a nationwide civil war.

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Rise of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda (1996–2001)

After years of chaos, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 1996, including Nangarhār. Under Taliban rule:

• Al-Qaeda Training Camps: Nangarhār became a hub for al-Qaeda training camps, with foreign jihadists receiving weapons and ideological training.
• Strategic Importance: Due to its proximity to Pakistan, Nangarhār became a gateway for Taliban supply routes and foreign fighters entering Afghanistan.

The province remained a stronghold for the Taliban and al-Qaeda until the U.S. invasion in 2001, which led to their temporary ousting.

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Nangarhār’s strategic location, historical significance, and tribal resistance have made it a battleground for centuries, from ancient empires to modern wars.

Recent history

See also: 2007 Shinwar shooting and Haska Meyna wedding party airstrike

Branches of the Kunar River meet with the Kabul River in Nangarhar.

Nangarhar province, located in eastern Afghanistan, has been a significant battleground for various militant groups and international military forces over the past few decades.

During the late 1990s, Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda, held a strong presence in Nangarhar. He operated from the Tora Bora region, a mountainous area known for its extensive cave networks, which provided a strategic advantage for militant operations. Following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, bin Laden and his forces engaged in a fierce battle against U.S.-led coalition forces in the Tora Bora campaign. Despite intense military efforts, bin Laden managed to evade capture and eventually fled to Abbottabad, Pakistan. He remained in hiding there for nearly a decade before being located and killed by U.S. Navy SEALs during a covert operation on May 2, 2011.

After the fall of the Taliban government in late 2001, the U.S.-backed Karzai administration took control of Afghanistan. Gradually, Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), with support from international allies, expanded their authority across Nangarhar. However, the province remained volatile, as Taliban insurgents continued to launch attacks against Afghan government forces. The region also witnessed the rise of other militant groups, including the Haqqani Network and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP). These groups carried out numerous attacks, including high-profile suicide bombings, often targeting government buildings, security forces, and civilians.

Adding to the instability, cross-border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan led to several reported incursions by Pakistani military forces into Nangarhar’s districts along the Durand Line. This border region, where the Kabul and Kunar rivers flow, remained a hotspot for conflict, with militants frequently using it as a base for operations.

On April 13, 2017, in an effort to eliminate ISIL-KP fighters entrenched in Nangarhar’s underground tunnel complexes, U.S. President Donald Trump authorized a major airstrike. The strike involved the deployment of the Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb (MOAB), commonly referred to as the "Mother of All Bombs." Weighing approximately 21,000 pounds, the MOAB was the largest non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. arsenal at the time. This marked the first instance of the weapon being used in combat. According to reports, the primary targets were ISIL militants, many of whom originated from countries such as Bangladesh, Russia, and India.

Despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts, instability in Nangarhar persisted. In August 2021, amid the broader collapse of the Afghan government following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, the Taliban swiftly captured Nangarhar, solidifying their control over the province as they re-established their rule over Afghanistan.

Healthcare

Further information: Health in Afghanistan

• The percentage of births attended by a skilled birth attendant increased from 22% in 2005 to 60% in 2011.
• The percentage of households with clean drinking water fell from 43% in 2005 to 8% in 2011.

Education

Further information: Education in Afghanistan

Nangarhar University, situated in the provincial capital of Jalalabad, is a government-funded institution that offers higher education to around 6,000 students, primarily from the local region. This reflects the ongoing efforts to improve educational access and opportunities in the province.

In terms of basic education, a variety of schools across Nangarhar provide education for both boys and girls. Over the years, there has been a gradual improvement in the province's education indicators. The literacy rate for individuals aged 6 and above increased slightly from 29% in 2005 to 31% in 2011. While this represents a modest improvement, it also highlights the challenges that remain in achieving widespread literacy.

Moreover, the net enrollment rate for children aged 6 to 13 years, which is an important indicator of access to education, saw a more notable increase, rising from 39% in 2005 to 51% in 2011. This increase in enrollment suggests that more children, particularly in the younger age group, were gaining access to formal education during this period, which could contribute to long-term improvements in literacy and educational outcomes for the region.

Economy

Further information: Economy of Afghanistan

Inside the Afghan customs and border patrol station at the Torkham border crossing in 2013

The Jalalabad plain in Nangarhar is one of Afghanistan's most important agricultural regions, contributing significantly to the province's economy. This agricultural base, along with the province's strategic location along the trade route between Kabul and Peshawar, makes Nangarhar economically diverse and vital to Afghanistan's overall economic structure. The province benefits from its proximity to the border with Pakistan, particularly through the Torkham crossing, which is one of the busiest ports of entry between the two countries. This crossing serves as a crucial economic hub, facilitating trade and transport, and further enhancing Nangarhar’s role in the regional economy.

Nangarhar is known for its agricultural production, particularly citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, as well as olives, peanuts, and dates. A variety of other fruits and vegetables are also cultivated, contributing to the province's reputation for diverse agricultural output. Historically, however, Nangarhar was also a significant center of opium poppy production, which posed serious challenges for the Afghan government and international efforts to curb narcotics trafficking. Despite efforts to reduce poppy cultivation, it was once a major driver of the local economy.

Transportation

Further information: Transport in Afghanistan

The Jalalabad Airport, located near the city of Jalalabad, plays a critical role in connecting the populations of Nangarhar, Kunar, Nuristan, and other nearby provinces to the rest of Afghanistan and beyond. As a key transportation hub, the airport serves both domestic and international flights, facilitating travel and trade in this strategically important region.

The Kabul–Jalalabad Road is another vital infrastructure asset for the province. This major highway links Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, to Jalalabad and continues eastward, passing through the Khyber Pass and reaching Peshawar in Pakistan. Known as one of the busiest roads in the country, it is a crucial route for the movement of goods, people, and services between Afghanistan and Pakistan, further enhancing Nangarhar's role as an economic and logistical center.

Geography

Further information: Geography of Afghanistan

Location and Terrain: Nangarhar is located in eastern Afghanistan, bordered by Pakistan to the east. It is a strategically important province due to its proximity to the Khyber Pass, a major trade route linking Afghanistan with Pakistan. The province's geographical features include the Jalalabad plain, which is one of the primary agricultural areas in the country, and mountainous regions, particularly in the north and northeast, which are part of the Hindu Kush mountain range. These areas provide natural barriers and create challenges for infrastructure development and security.

Rivers: Nangarhar is intersected by the Kabul and Kunar rivers, which flow through the province and contribute to its agricultural activities. These rivers provide water for irrigation, essential for the province’s farming economy.

Climate and Agriculture: The climate in Nangarhar is typically arid to semi-arid, with hot summers and cooler winters. The fertile plains, especially around Jalalabad, are conducive to agriculture, supporting the production of a variety of crops, including fruits like lemons, oranges, and dates, as well as vegetables and peanuts. The province also has a history of opium poppy cultivation, although efforts have been made to reduce this.

Infrastructure:

• Jalalabad Airport: Situated near the city of Jalalabad, the airport connects Nangarhar to other parts of Afghanistan and the world.
• Kabul–Jalalabad Road: This major highway links the provincial capital, Jalalabad, to Kabul, running through the province and extending to Pakistan. It is one of Afghanistan’s busiest roads and an important trade route.

Border and Strategic Importance: The Torkham border crossing, one of the busiest points between Afghanistan and Pakistan, lies in Nangarhar. This enhances its geopolitical importance, as it serves as a vital trade and transportation hub between the two countries. The proximity to Pakistan and the Khyber Pass makes Nangarhar a key location for both economic activity and security concerns.

In summary, Nangarhar's geography is marked by its agricultural plains, mountainous regions, key rivers, and strategic location along important trade routes, making it a central province for both economic and geopolitical activity in Afghanistan.

Nangarhar mountainous overview

Demographics

Further information: Demographics of Afghanistan

Ethnolinguistic groups in Afghanistan

Districts of Nangarhar province

As of 2021, the population of Nangarhar province is approximately 1,735,531 people. This population is spread across its diverse geographical features, including the urban center of Jalalabad, the surrounding rural areas, and more remote regions in the north and northeast. The province’s population is a mix of ethnic groups, with Pashtuns being the largest group, followed by various other ethnicities. The population density is likely higher in urban areas such as Jalalabad, which serves as the economic and administrative hub of the province.In Nangarhar, over 90% of the population is Pashtun, with the remaining population consisting of various smaller ethnic groups, including Pashais, Tajiks, Arabs, and others. The province is significant in the linguistic landscape of Afghanistan as it is considered the center of the Northern Pashto dialect, a variant of the Pashto language. According to the 18th edition of Ethnologue, Nangarhar is a hub for this smaller Northern Pashto variety, which is spoken by about one in five Pashtuns in Afghanistan. This highlights the linguistic diversity within the Pashtun community across the country.

Districts

Nangarhar is divided into 22 districts. They are as follows:

Districts of Nangarhar Province

District	Capital	Population	Area	Pop. density	Notes
Jalalabad	Jalalabad	271,867	122	2,228	85% Pashtun, 9% Tajik, 6% Pashai and other.
Haska Meyna/Deh Bala	Haska Meyna	45,570	337	135	100% Pashtun.
Shinwar	Shinwar	67,758	133	508	100% Pashtun.
Achin	Achin	113,328	466	243	100% Pashtun. Includes the Spin Ghar District.
Bihsud	Bishud	128,474	265	485	95% Pashtun (55% Pashtun tribes, 40% Pashtunized Arab), 5% Tajik. Used to belong to Jalalabad District.
Chaparhar	Chaparhar	68,156	277	246	100% Pashtun.
Darai Nur	Darai Nur	45,571	253	180	99% Pashai, 1% Pashtun.
Bati Kot	Bati Kot	85,562	195	438	100% Pashtun.
Dur Baba	Dur Baba	26,306	302	87	100% Pashtun.
Goshta	Goshta	30,823	523	59	100% Pashtun.
Hisarak	Hisarak	34,809	620	56	100% Pashtun.
Kama	Kama	86,890	229	380	97% Pashtun, 1% Tajik, 2% other.
Khogyani	Kaga	147,745	789	187	100% Pashtun.
Kot	Kot	58,857	188	313	99% Pashtun, 1% Tajik. Created in 2005 within Rodat District
Kuz Kunar	Kuz Kunar	62,178	298	209	75% Pashtun, 25% Pashai and others.
Lal Pur	Lal Pur	23,117	475	49	100% Pashtun.
Momand Dara	Momand Dara	50,752	240	211	100% Pashtun.
Nazyan	Nayzan	16,607	188	88	100% Pashtun.
Pachir Aw Agam		48,095	516	93	100% Pashtun.
Rodat		78,121	272	287	100% Pashtun. Sub-divided in 2005
Sherzad		74,932	480	156	100% Pashtun.
Surkh Rod		136,180	312	437	88% Pashtun, 5% Tajik, 7% Pashai, Hindu and others.
Nangarhar		1,701,698	7,641	223	92.5% Pashtuns (89.5% Pashtun tribes, 3.0% Pashtunized Arabs), 4.8% Pashayi, 2.3% Hazaras, 0.3% Hindus, 0.1 Tajiks.

Sports

Further information: Sport in Afghanistan

The Sherzai Cricket Stadium under construction in June 2011

Nangarhar, particularly Jalalabad, has a rich sports culture, with cricket being a prominent part of the province’s athletic identity. The Nangarhar province cricket team competes in domestic tournaments, and the region is considered the heart of Afghan cricket. Several national cricket players, including Hamid Hasan and Rashid Khan, were born in Nangarhar, contributing to the province’s reputation in the sport.

Jalalabad also hosts De Spinghar Bazan, a regional team in the Roshan Afghan Premier League, which showcases the province's active participation in top-level domestic cricket. Additionally, the Jalalabad Regional Football Tournament serves as a platform for identifying and nurturing local football talent. The tournament features four local teams: Malang Jan, Shaheed Qasim, Afghan Refugees, and Laghman, all competing to discover players who may eventually participate in the Afghan Premier League.

Wrestling is another popular sport in the region, with its modern development attributed to Davud Sulaymankhil, a renowned Pashtun athlete and orator. He played a key role in organizing and promoting wrestling in Jalalabad. Today, several wrestling teams from the province, including the notable Suleim Wrestling Team founded by Sulaymankhil, represent Nangarhar in national competitions. These sports help to both showcase local talent and foster community pride in the province.

Stadiums

• Ghazi Amanullah International Cricket Stadium is the first international standard cricket stadium in Afghanistan. It is located in the Ghazi Amanullah Town about 15 kilometres south-east of Jalalabad.
• Sirajul Emarah Football Stadium in Jalalabad

Notable people

• Qais Ahmad - Afghan cricketer
• Muqadasa Ahmadzai - social and political activist
• Aftab Alam - Afghan cricketer
• Hamid Hassan - Afghan cricketer
• Rashid Khan - Afghan cricketer and winner of ICC Mens T20 Cricketer of Decade
• Mohammad Musa Shafiq - former Prime Minister of Afghanistan
• Mohammad Shahzad - Afghan cricketer
• Samiullah Shinwari - Afghan cricketer

See also

• Eastern Province, Afghanistan
• Provinces of Afghanistan

External links

• On the Road - Nangarhar Province Season 1 on YouTube, 7 February 2012, TOLO/USAIDAfghanistan
• On the Road - Nangarhar Province Season 1 Episode 2 on YouTube, 22 February 2012, TOLO/USAIDAfghanistan (in Pashto)
• Nangarhar Province by the Naval Postgraduate School
• Nangarhar Province by the Institute for the Study of War
• Nangahar Aerial pictures