Local Governance in Afghanistan: A View from the Ground

Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit
2011
Wardak Province
Geography: Wardak is bordered by Bamiyan to the west and northwest, Parwan and Kabul to the
northeast, Logar to the east and Ghazni to the south. Its eight districts are Chak, Dai Mirdad, Hisai-Awali
Behsud, Jaghatu, 160 Jalrez, Markaz-i-Behsud, Nerkh and Saydabad. Maidan Shahr is the
provincial capital.
Population and ethnic composition: The estimated population of Wardak is 549,200. 161 Of these,
37,900 live in Maidan Shahr. The largest ethnic group is the Pashtuns. The second largest ethnic
group, the Hazaras, live mainly in Markaz-i-Behsud and Hisa-i-Awali Behsud districts. Tajiks and
Qizilbash are present in small numbers.
Governance overview: The present provincial governor of Wardak is Mohammad Haleem Fidai. He
replaced Abdul Jabbar Naeemi in 2008.
Security: Setting aside major population centres, the Pashtun districts of Wardak were effectively
under Taliban control. Once the Taliban gained control of a district, the first function they sought
to command was the justice system. Justice was initially harshly enforced, and then at periodic
intervals by further brutal exemplary measures against those believed to have committed crimes. In
these areas, government officials were confined to their district centres, which were frequently fired
upon. However, security was good in the two Hazara-dominated Behsud districts. These two districts
have been the site of clashes between the Hazara inhabitants and Kuchis, who have rights supported
by documentary title to land there. The rights were given in the late 19th century by Abdur Rahman
as part of his suppression of Hazara resistance. The exercising of grazing rights and the letting of
land by Kuchi to Hazaras has continued since but has been the subject of periodic disagreement and
conflict. In 2010, the issue flared up again, with some Pashtuns claiming it was at the instigation of
Hazara politicians seeking to make political capital and regain former Hazara lands.
Political parties: The main political party in the province is HIA. Hizb-i-Wahadat (Khalili and Mohaqiq
factions) has influence in the Hazara-inhabited north.
Education: Facility types and number in Wardak Province:
Facility Type Primary Secondary High Madrassa Higher Ed. Institutions Total
Number 175 95 75 19 6 370
Source: Interviews with Ministry of Education provincial and district line department heads
Health: Facility types and number in Wardak Province:
Facility Type PH DH CHC BHC SC MOB Other Total
Number 1 3 9 25 18 1 2 59
Source: Ministry of Public Health
Key: PH – Provincial Hospital; DH – District Hospital; CHC – Comprehensive Health Clinic; BHC – Basic Health
Clinic; SC – Sub-Centre; MOB – Mobile Clinics.
160 Jaghatu, previously a district of Ghazni Province, was made a part of Wardak in 2005.
161 Afghanistan CSO Population Data 1389 (2010-11).
Local Governance in Afghanistan: A View from the Ground
83