ISLAMABAD -- An Afghan warlord has captured the Governor's House in the troubled eastern province of Khost after failing to become governor of neighboring Paktia Province, the Afghan Islamic Press

Forces loyal to warlord Padsha Khan took the official residence without a fight early this week, ousting Mohammad Hakeem Taniwal, a nominee of Afghan Interim Administration Leader Hamid Karzai, the Pa

"Karzai is playing foul with Pashtuns. We want him to resign and we do not accept his nominations for the province," AIP quoted Khan as saying in a telephone interview from the governor's residence.

Khan was initially appointed as governor of neighboring Paktia Province by Karzai but he failed to take office after members of a local council of elders refused to accept him, AFP reported.

Bloody clashes last month between Khan's forces and supporters of the new governor there, Taj Mohammad Wardak, left more than 100 people killed and wounded.

Khan denied he was responsible for the bloodshed.

"Karzai's wrong policies in eastern provinces have led to the killing of dozens of people in Paktia. Karzai is responsible for these murders. I am ready to face Karzai in any court to know who is resp

He said he supported former king Zahir Shah to take up the leadership role in the country, AIP reported.