Gulbuddin Hekmatyar is one of Afghanistan’s most polarizing figures. Once a fierce Mujahideen commander fighting Soviet forces, he later became a prominent and controversial political actor. His journey from armed resistance to participating in democratic politics highlights not only the evolution of one man, but also the shifting dynamics of Afghan politics over the last four decades.
Early Life and Ideological Roots
Born in 1949 in Kunduz Province, Hekmatyar was raised in a conservative Pashtun household. He pursued engineering studies at Kabul University, where he quickly became involved in radical Islamist student movements. By the early 1970s, he had emerged as a staunch opponent of leftist ideologies and was one of the founding members of Hezb-e Islami, a party driven by the goal of establishing an Islamic state in Afghanistan.
Key Points:
- Studied at Kabul University with a focus on engineering.
- Founding member of Hezb-e Islami in 1975.
- Strong ideological opposition to communism and secular governance.
The Mujahideen Era: Resistance Against the Soviets
Hekmatyar rose to prominence during the Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989). Backed heavily by Pakistan’s ISI and the CIA, his faction became one of the most well-funded Mujahideen groups. Despite his strategic importance, Hekmatyar’s leadership style was often criticized for being divisive and authoritarian. He frequently clashed with other Mujahideen leaders, which limited the effectiveness of the broader resistance.
Contributions and Controversies:
- Received significant international support during the anti-Soviet jihad.
- Accused of human rights violations and targeting rival Mujahideen factions.
- Reluctant to unite with other resistance leaders even for a common cause.
Civil War and Infamy in Kabul
Following the Soviet withdrawal and the fall of the communist regime in 1992, Hekmatyar’s ambitions reached their peak. However, instead of contributing to a unified post-war government, he launched aggressive attacks on Kabul, turning the capital into a war zone. His forces were blamed for shelling residential areas, contributing to the deaths of thousands.
This period greatly tarnished his image. Once seen as a freedom fighter, Hekmatyar came to be viewed as a warlord responsible for deepening Afghanistan’s civil strife.
Years in Exile and the Rise of the Taliban
When the Taliban seized power in 1996, Hekmatyar found himself sidelined. He fled Afghanistan and spent years in exile, primarily in Iran. As the Taliban established their rule, Hekmatyar’s influence waned. Despite this, he maintained his opposition to U.S. intervention post-2001 and led a low-level insurgency against NATO and Afghan government forces.
Key Developments:
- Lived in Iran and Pakistan during Taliban rule.
- Condemned U.S.-led invasion but remained ideologically distinct from the Taliban.
- Continued guerilla activities via Hezb-e Islami splinters.
Political Reintegration: A Deal with the Government
In a surprising shift, Hekmatyar signed a peace agreement with the Afghan government in 2016, brokered under President Ashraf Ghani. The deal allowed him and his followers to re-enter the political fold in exchange for laying down arms. This marked one of the few successful reconciliation efforts with a major insurgent leader.
Hekmatyar returned to Kabul in 2017, met with political rivals, and began positioning himself as a national political figure. Despite skepticism about his motives, his reintegration was seen as a test case for peace talks with other insurgent groups.
Hekmatyar Today: Political Actor in a New Afghanistan
In the post-2021 Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, Hekmatyar continues to navigate the complexities of national politics. Although not a central figure in the Taliban administration, he remains vocal on key issues, often advocating for political inclusivity and condemning foreign interference.
While many still view him through the lens of his militant past, Hekmatyar presents himself as a seasoned statesman advocating for stability and Islamic governance.
Legacy and Controversy
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s legacy is as layered as Afghanistan’s modern history. To some, he is a resilient fighter for Islamic ideals; to others, a warlord responsible for untold suffering. His transformation from a Mujahid commander to a politician reflects the broader struggle of Afghanistan—a nation caught between war and peace, ideology and pragmatism.
Conclusion
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s journey from Mujahid to politician underscores the complexity of Afghanistan’s political landscape. His life mirrors the country’s tumultuous evolution—from armed resistance and civil war to fragile peace and political reintegration. Whether one sees him as a pragmatist or a power-seeker, his impact on Afghanistan’s past, present, and potentially its future remains significant.