Sardar Mohammad Daoud Khan was a towering figure in Afghanistan’s modern history. Known for his charisma, bold leadership, and progressive vision, he played a transformative role in transitioning Afghanistan from a monarchy to a republic. As both Prime Minister and later the first President of Afghanistan, Daoud Khan’s policies and decisions laid the groundwork for many socio-political changes, even as they sparked controversy and opposition. This blog delves into the life, rule, and enduring impact of a man often referred to as the architect of Afghanistan’s first republic.
Early Life and Political Ascent
Born on July 18, 1909, in Kabul, Sardar Mohammad Daoud Khan hailed from Afghanistan’s royal Barakzai Pashtun dynasty. His father, Prince Mohammad Aziz Khan, was a half-brother of King Mohammad Nadir Shah. After his father’s assassination in 1933, Daoud was mentored by his influential uncle, Mohammad Hashim Khan.
Educated in France, Daoud began his career as a provincial governor, later ascending through the ranks as Defense Minister, Interior Minister, and eventually Commander of the Central Corps in Kabul. By 1953, he was appointed Prime Minister by his cousin, King Mohammad Zahir Shah.
Prime Ministership (1953–1963): A Decade of Reforms and Tensions
During his ten-year tenure as Prime Minister, Daoud Khan launched major modernization efforts, notably:
- Advancing education and women’s rights
- Developing infrastructure projects, especially the Helmand Valley project
- Seeking stronger ties with the Soviet Union
However, his nationalist policies strained relations with neighboring Pakistan, especially his Pashtunistan agenda, which aimed to reunite Pashtuns across the Durand Line. Military incursions into Pakistani tribal regions backfired, leading to border closures and diplomatic fallout. Eventually, growing discontent and economic difficulties led to his resignation in 1963.
The 1973 Coup: Birth of the Republic
Disillusioned with the slow progress under King Zahir Shah’s parliamentary system, Daoud Khan staged a bloodless coup on July 17, 1973, while the King was abroad. For the first time in Afghan history, he abolished the monarchy and declared the country a republic, appointing himself as President.
Key Aspects of His Presidency:
- Formed a new National Revolutionary Party
- Abolished the parliamentary system
- Replaced elected institutions with a centralized presidential system
- Initiated efforts to reduce dependence on the USSR by seeking support from Middle Eastern and non-aligned countries
Reforms and Challenges as President
As President, Daoud Khan pursued an ambitious agenda:
Social and Economic Reforms:
- Nationalized banks and major industries
- Promoted women’s participation in public life
- Introduced the 1977 Constitution, which emphasized nationalism, Islam, and one-party governance
However, his increasingly autocratic style, crackdown on communists, and repression of religious conservatives alienated multiple political factions.
Foreign Policy Shifts:
- Distanced Afghanistan from Soviet influence
- Strengthened ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and India
- Criticized Soviet-aligned regimes like Cuba, signaling a new non-aligned stance
These shifts deeply concerned Moscow, which began viewing Daoud as unreliable.
The Saur Revolution and Assassination
By 1978, tensions with the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) escalated. Daoud’s purge of leftists from government positions further fueled dissent. On April 27, 1978, the Saur Revolution erupted. Spearheaded by communist military officers aligned with the PDPA, the coup led to the assassination of Daoud Khan and most of his family the following day.
In 2008, Daoud Khan’s remains were discovered and identified. He was later given a state funeral, his legacy officially acknowledged by the Afghan government.
Legacy of Sardar Daoud Khan
Sardar Daoud Khan remains a polarizing yet pivotal figure in Afghan history. He is remembered for:
- Being the first President of Afghanistan
- Promoting women’s rights and secular modernization
- Attempting to redefine Afghanistan’s foreign alliances
- Advocating for Pashtun nationalism, though often at the cost of ethnic unity
While his autocratic tendencies and political miscalculations led to his downfall, his vision for a modern, independent Afghanistan has left a lasting imprint on the nation’s political evolution.
Conclusion
Sardar Mohammad Daoud Khan’s life was a complex interplay of ambition, nationalism, reform, and authoritarianism. His legacy continues to shape Afghanistan’s political discourse to this day. As the first President of the Afghan Republic, he dared to challenge centuries of monarchy, setting a precedent that continues to echo in the corridors of Afghan history.