Early Years and Family History: Gulbuddin Hekmatyar was born in a rural and conservative family in Kunduz Province. His family background was modest, and he grew up in a traditional Afghan environment. His early years were marked by the socio-political upheavals in Afghanistan, which shaped his future political ideologies.
Education and Early Career: Hekmatyar moved to Kabul for higher education and enrolled in Kabul University to study engineering. However, his time at the university was cut short due to his involvement in radical Islamic politics. He joined the Muslim Youth, a radical student organization influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood, and later the Jamiat-e Islami party.
Political Rise and Mujahideen Leadership: In the 1970s, Hekmatyar became a key figure in the resistance against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. He founded the Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin (HIG), one of the most powerful Mujahideen groups, which received substantial support from the CIA and Pakistan’s ISI. During the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989), Hekmatyar emerged as a significant military leader, known for his staunch anti-Soviet stance and his strategic use of guerrilla warfare.
Post-Soviet Era and Civil War: After the Soviet withdrawal, Hekmatyar’s ambitions for power led to infighting among Mujahideen factions. His group played a prominent role in the ensuing Afghan Civil War (1992-1996). Despite briefly serving as Prime Minister, his tenure was marked by brutal battles with other factions, especially in Kabul, causing significant destruction and civilian casualties.
Taliban Era and Exile: When the Taliban took control of Kabul in 1996, Hekmatyar fled to Iran. He lived in exile for several years, maintaining a lower profile but continuing to influence Afghan politics through his network.
Return to Afghanistan and Political Rehabilitation: In 2016, Hekmatyar signed a peace deal with the Afghan government, which allowed him to return to Afghanistan. This agreement included the lifting of international sanctions against him and the integration of HIG members into the Afghan political process. Since then, Hekmatyar has positioned himself as a political leader, advocating for peace and national reconciliation.
Real Name: Gulbuddin Hekmatyar
Date of Birth: June 26, 1949
Birth Place: Imam Sahib District, Kunduz Province, Afghanistan
Residence: Kabul, Afghanistan
Profession: Politician, Former Warlord
Nationality: Afghan
Religion: Islam (Sunni)
Partner: Multiple wives (polygamous marriage)
Father: Ghulam Qader
Mother: Not widely documented
Horoscope: Cancer
Age: 74 (as of 2024)
Height: Approximately 5’8″ (173 cm)
Body Type: Average
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black (now grey)