Pashto maps provide provincial reference points

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan— Ask any American for directions and they’re likely to look to the Internet; ask an Afghan in Paktya Province, and they’re now likely to point to a map in their district center.

The Paktya Provincial Reconstruction Team, with support from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, recently created and distributed Pashto provincial maps for Afghan leadership.

During a regularly scheduled meeting with provincial and district-level leaders, Paktya PRT members noticed that some Afghan leaders lacked geographical references.

Through the help of a PRT linguist and the NGA, more than 500 Paktya villages were identified and translated into Pashto, the predominant language in Paktya. Provincial and district maps were then distributed to Paktya line directors, district sub-governors and Afghan National Security Forces leaders.

The maps provide provincial government leaders a frame of reference for Paktya, with relation to all of Afghanistan. They also help local villagers comprehend their location in relation to their district, province and country.

Abdul Rahman Mangal, Paktya Province deputy governor, presented a district map to Said Mohammad, Chamkani sub-governor during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly remodeled Chamkani district center, Feb. 1.

While pointing to Chamkani on the map, the deputy governor identified surrounding districts and villages to an audience of more than 100 local residents.

“It has become a source of pride for the province,” U.S. Air Force 1st Lt Ryan Mills, Paktya PRT intelligence officer from Chicago, said. “Every recognized country has its own map in its own language, and these maps have demonstrated to the people of Paktya GIRoA’s legitimacy and place in history.” 

With the new maps, we can plan future missions, identify areas of instability, and determine where we are according to other provinces and countries, Mangal said. 

During a meeting between the Paktya PRT, Ahmad Abad district sub-governor and the national security directorate, the Afghan leaders pointed to and identified several insecure villages in the area.

“I am so proud to see my village in Pashto on a map,” Afghan Brig. Gen. Wali, Operational Coordination Center, Provincial commander said after orienting himself to the map.

The Paktya PRT is dedicated to partnering with government leaders in the province, as they create and build a sustainable future for Afghanistan.