Afghan Biographies

Paktiawal, Ali Shah Gen


Name Paktiawal, Ali Shah Gen
Ethnic backgr. Pashtun
Date of birth
Function/Grade Ex ANP Commander
History and Biodata

2. Previous Functions of Brig Gen Ali Shah Alishah Paktiawal Paktyawal:
paktiawal_ali_shahCriminal Investigation Department Kabul Police Chief (2006, 20081122)
Provincial Police Commander Nangahar Province (20101114 -20110300)

3. Biodata:
During his tenure, Paktiawal earned a reputation as a workaholic who relished being on the front-line of police operations. Dubbed the "the James Bond of Kabul" and "Dirty Ali" by media outlets, he was known for carrying a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol and for his handpicked group of bodyguards. His rough style has been criticized by some, including General Hilaluddin Hilal, who was quoted saying that he "does not even follow the law himself. He and his men arrest people so they can abuse their powers.

On September 24, 2008, Paktiawal was wounded in a Taliban bombing. A week later he was confronted by the Financial Times with a document, allegedly signed by him, that listed $2 million worth of property in Dubai among his assets. He denied that these properties belonged to him, though the paper reported that "Western and Afghan security officials are adamant that Kabul's top cop [Paktiawal] is also one of its top criminals, profiting handsomely from the gangs who extract huge ransoms from the families of the wealthy Afghans. After the article was published, Paktiawal declared that he intended to sue the newspaper for defamation. Paktiawal was appointed to his current post in Nangarhar on November 14, 2010, succeeding Police Chief Mohammad Ayub Salangi.

Last Modified 2011-09-28
Established 2011-09-28