Paktia (Persian: پکتیا ) 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 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) ;

Important geographical features

Shahi-Kot Valley