Khost

Khost is the capital of Khost Province in southeastern Afghanistan, set in a valley near the border with Pakistan and about 150 kilometres south of Kabul. A predominantly Pashtun trading town, it serves as the province's administrative and commercial centre, with its lively central bazaar at the heart of daily life.

The city has a distinctive modern history. During the Soviet-Afghan War, Khost remained under government control and endured a long siege by mujahideen fighters, becoming one of the conflict's most recognisable eastern strongholds. After 2001, the city hosted international forces and a provincial reconstruction team, and many of its roads and facilities were rebuilt in that period.

Khost Mosque is the main religious landmark, while Shaikh Zayed University, formerly Khost University, is a prominent educational institution. The bustling Khost Bazaar offers a direct view of local commerce, with stalls selling produce, textiles and everyday goods, and the surrounding mountain valleys and agricultural districts shape the city's character.

As a regional gateway, Khost supports trade, farming and cross-border commerce with Pakistan, and its market economy links the city to nearby districts. Business visitors, aid organisations and government delegations use Khost as a practical base for work across the province.

For travellers, Khost offers a chance to see an authentic Pashtun provincial centre with a strong sense of place, from its markets and mosques to its highland setting. Both leisure and business visitors should follow current security advice and plan movements with reliable local contacts.