Gardez

Gardez, also transliterated Gardēz or Qal’eh-ye Gardez, is the capital city of Paktia Province in eastern Afghanistan. It serves as the provincial administrative center and a regional economic and transportation hub, connecting the capital Kabul with eastern provinces and cross-border routes toward Pakistan.

Geography and climate: The city is located in a mountainous region of eastern Afghanistan, near the Pakistan border. It sits in a highland area within the eastern Hindu Kush-Paktia zone. The climate is typically continental, with hot summers and cold winters.

History: Gardez has long been an inhabited urban center in the region. In modern times it has been affected by major conflicts in Afghanistan, including the Soviet–Afghan War and the insurgency after 2001, with periods of fighting, reconstruction, and aid programs.

Demographics and economy: The population is predominantly Pashtun, with other ethnic groups present in the province. The local economy centers on agriculture, animal husbandry, and small-scale trade, with markets serving as a hub for goods in eastern Afghanistan.

Culture and infrastructure: The city hosts mosques and traditional architecture and serves as an administrative base for provincial institutions. Pashto is the main language, while Dari is used in education and official communication. Gardez is accessible by road and has historically served as a waypoint for travelers and traders in the region.