On June 7, 2011, Jawad Zahak, the head of Bamyan Provincial Council, and his three companions were abducted by armed individuals affiliated with the Taliban. They were taken from the Ghorband-Bamyan route to an undisclosed location. The Taliban demanded the release of one of their commanders in exchange, a demand to which the government did not acquiesce. Following failed negotiations, the Taliban executed Zahak and his three companions after several days of torture. Their bodies were discovered along a road in the Siahgird area of the Ghorband district. Responsibility for Zahak's death has been attributed to both the Taliban and Hezb-e-Islami led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.