Abdul Ahad Wardak

Abdul Ahad Khan Wardak (c. 1880-1949) was a politician from northern Afghanistan.

Life

Wardak was the son of Kazi Ghulam and belonged to the Ismail Khel tribe of the Ghilzai confederacy from Wardak province. He held the title of "Sardar-i-Ala.". From 1909-16 Abdul Ahad was chief of Ushera, Arzbegi district for Amir Habibullah Khan, next appointed Governor of Qataghan-Badakhshan Province. He was latter arrested with his brother for the assassination of Amir Habibullah Khan in 1919 and jailed, but was later released by Amanullah Khan. In 1922 Abdul Ahad was appointed Aide-de-Camp to King Amanullah Khan,sent to Wardak valley during the Mangal rebellion in 1924 to maintain loyalty among the Wardaks. During Amanullah's tour of Europe he spent for four months as the Governor of the Eastern Province but was relieved and sent to Moscow to meet with King Amanullah. Abdul Ahad became the officiating Minister of Interior, in November 1928. He fled with Amanullah Khan to India in May 1929, and later went to Iran. He returned to Afghanistan in December 1929, and became the President of the National Council in 1930. In November 1931 proceeded to Farah as supreme civil law and head of Military service. Returned to Kabul in 1932 and served on a commission negotiated with Iran in June 1933 dealing with the Helmand water dispute which was brought to a satisfactory conclusion. In October 1933, he visited Northern Afghanistan with Prime Minister Muhammad Hashim and others. Wardak was re-elected President of National Council in 1934, a position he held until 1943. He died in 1949.