| Panjshir (پنج شیر) | |
| Province | |
| Country | Afghanistan |
|---|---|
| Capital | Bazarak |
| - coordinates | |
| Area | 3,610 km2 (1,394 sq mi) |
| Population | 139,000 (2009[1]) |
| Timezone | UTC+4:30 |
| Main language | Tajik (Dari) |
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Map of Afghanistan with Panjshir highlighted
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Panjshir (Persian: پنجشیر, literally "Five Lions", also spelled as Panjsher) is one of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan. Containing the Panjshir Valley, in April 2004 it was created from parts of Parwan Province, which now lies along its southwestern border.
Panjshir province is renowned for having never been captured by the Soviets during their occupation in the 1980s, due to its difficult terrain and the actions of mujahideen under Ahmad Shah Massoud. In recent years Panjshir was one of Afghanistan's most secure provinces and has not been subject to the same level of violence and insurgency found elsewhere in the country.
In spring 2010, the long-serving Governor Haji Bahlol Bahij was removed by President Karzai and replaced with a new Governor new Governor Kiramuddin Keram.
| Baghlan Province | Takhar Province | Badakhshan Province | ||
| Parwan Province | Nuristan Province | |||
| Panjshir Province | ||||
| Kapisa Province | Laghman Province |
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