Laghman

Laghman Province
Notable Personalities, Education & Cultural Heritage

Laghman Province is one of Afghanistan's oldest and most historically significant provinces. Throughout history, it has produced distinguished political leaders, diplomats, scholars, artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural figures who have made lasting contributions to Afghanistan and the international community. The following sections highlight some of Laghman's most notable personalities and achievements.

Eastern Afghanistan in fertile valley along Alishang and Alingar rivers, bordering Nuristan, Kunar, Nangarhar and Kapisa.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of Laghman's economy and the primary source of livelihood for most of its population. The province's fertile valleys, abundant water resources, and favourable climate make it one of eastern Afghanistan's most productive agricultural regions. Farming has been practised here for centuries and continues to play a vital role in local food production and trade.

River Irrigation

Laghman's agriculture depends on an extensive irrigation system supplied by the Alingar River, Alishang River, and Kabul River. These rivers feed dozens of traditional canals that provide reliable water for thousands of hectares of farmland, allowing many farmers to cultivate two crops each year. The province's fertile river valleys have supported agriculture for centuries and remain essential to local food production.

Fruit Orchards

Laghman is widely recognised for its productive orchards, which produce a variety of high-quality fruits, including:

Apricots
Peaches
Plums
Oranges
Lemons
Sweet oranges
Grapes
Pomegranates
Guavas
Pears
Persimmons
Walnuts
Mulberries
Pine nuts

These fruits are sold throughout Afghanistan, particularly in nearby markets such as Jalalabad and Kabul, while some are also exported to neighbouring countries. In recent years, the expansion of modern orchards has further increased agricultural production and created new economic opportunities for local farmers.

Wheat and Rice Cultivation

Wheat is Laghman's most important staple crop and is widely grown across both irrigated and rain-fed farmland. Rice is another major agricultural product, particularly in the fertile plains of Qarghayi, Alingar, and Alishang districts, where abundant river irrigation provides ideal growing conditions. The province has long been known for producing quality rice, which supplies both local markets and other regions of Afghanistan.

Other Agricultural Products

In addition to fruit orchards, wheat, and rice, farmers cultivate a wide range of crops, including:

Maize (corn)
Barley
Potatoes
Onions
Cucumbers
Cauliflower
Spinach
Carrots
Beans
Pumpkins
Eggplants
Peppers
Cotton

Agriculture remains one of Laghman's greatest strengths, supporting thousands of families and contributing significantly to the province's economy. With its fertile land, reliable river irrigation, and favourable climate, Laghman continues to be one of Afghanistan's most productive agricultural provinces.

Diverse Pashai, Pashtun and Tajik communities with rich poetry and oral literature.

1. Political & National Leaders
Abdul Zahir (1910-1982)

Former Prime Minister of Afghanistan

Abdul Zahir was one of Afghanistan's most respected political leaders. Born in Laghman Province, he served as the Prime Minister of Afghanistan from 1971 to 1972 during the reign of King Mohammed Zahir Shah. He was known for promoting constitutional reforms, modernization, and economic development. He was also the father of the legendary singer Ahmad Zahir.

Major Contributions

Prime Minister of Afghanistan (1971-1972)
Senior statesman during the constitutional monarchy
Promoted economic and administrative reforms
One of Laghman's most influential political figures

Haneef Atmar (Born 1968)

Former Minister & National Security Adviser

Mohammad Haneef Atmar is among Afghanistan's most influential contemporary politicians. During his public service, he held several of the country's highest offices, including Minister of Education, Minister of Interior, National Security Adviser, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Major Contributions

Minister of Education
Minister of Interior
National Security Adviser
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Led reforms in education and national security

Tariq Shah Bahrami (Born 1957)

Former Minister of Defence

General Tariq Shah Bahrami served Afghanistan for decades in the military before becoming Minister of Defence. He played a major role in rebuilding Afghanistan's armed forces.

Major Contributions

Minister of Defence
Senior General in the Afghan National Army
Military modernization
National security leadership

Zalmay Khalilzad (Born 1951)

International Diplomat

Zalmay Khalilzad is one of Afghanistan's best-known diplomats internationally. His family originates from Laghman Province. He served as the United States Ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the United Nations, and later as the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation.

Major Contributions

U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan
U.S. Ambassador to Iraq
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
International peace negotiator

Dr. Abdullah Laghmani (c. 1960s - 2 September 2009)

Deputy Director of the National Directorate of Security (NDS)

Dr. Abdullah Laghmani was one of Afghanistan's highest-ranking intelligence officials. Originally from Laghman Province, he dedicated his career to protecting Afghanistan's national security.

Following the establishment of Afghanistan's new government in 2001, he served as the intelligence chief of Kandahar before being appointed Deputy Director of the National Directorate of Security (NDS). He became widely respected for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to counterterrorism.

On 2 September 2009, while attending the inauguration of a mosque in Mehtarlam, Laghman, he was assassinated in a suicide bombing along with several government officials and civilians.

Major Contributions

Deputy Director of the National Directorate of Security (NDS)
Intelligence Chief of Kandahar Province
Counterterrorism leadership
National security strategist
Remembered as one of Laghman's national heroes

Ancient Buddhist artifacts, Laghman rock inscriptions, diverse ethnic heritage.

Ahmad Zahir (1946-1979)

Known as the "Elvis of Afghanistan," Ahmad Zahir remains Afghanistan's most beloved singer. Although born in Kabul, his family's roots trace back to Laghman through his father, Abdul Zahir.

Legacy

Greatest Afghan singer of the modern era
More than 300 recorded songs
Blended Afghan, Persian, Indian and Western musical styles

Ustad Mangal (Born 1948)

Mangal is one of Afghanistan's greatest Pashto folk singers. He became famous through his partnership with Naghma and helped preserve traditional Pashto music for future generations.

Legacy

Legendary Pashto singer
Patriotic and folkloric music
More than five decades of musical contribution

Shafiq Mureed (Born 1987)

Shafiq Mureed is among Afghanistan's most popular modern singers and is well known among younger generations.

Legacy

Contemporary Afghan music
Modern pop and traditional fusion
Cultural ambassador for Afghan youth

Ghezaal Enayat (Born 1989)

Ghezaal Enayat is one of Afghanistan's leading contemporary female singers. Her family originates from Laghman, and she has achieved international recognition.

Legacy

International Afghan artist
Performs in Dari and Pashto
Promotes Afghan culture worldwide