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Abdul Kadir DagarvalStatesman and military figure of Afghanistan, Colonel General (1983), by ethnicity - Charaimak of the Zuri tribe (one of the national minorities of Afghanistan).
Country:
 Afghanistan |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Service and Leftist Views
- Role in the 1973 Coup
- Formation of the United Front of Afghan Communists
- The Saur Revolution
- Minister of Defense and Conflict with Khalq
- Arrest and Imprisonment
- Minister of Defense and Promotions
- Decline and Removal
- Diplomatic Exile
Early Life and Education
Abdul Qadir was an Afghan military and political leader born in a Charraymak family. He received his education at military institutions in Kabul and Frunze Higher Military Aviation School in Kant, Kyrgyzstan.
Military Service and Leftist Views
Qadir served as an officer in the Afghan Air Force. From his youth, he held leftist political views and participated in the clandestine "Maksudi Group" in the early 1960s.
Role in the 1973 Coup
In 1973, Qadir played a key role in the coup that overthrew King Zahir Shah. He became Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Air Defense but was later removed due to disagreements with President Mohammad Daoud.
Formation of the United Front of Afghan Communists
In 1974, Qadir established and led the "United Front of Afghan Communists" (OFKA), an underground organization comprising Air Force personnel. Inspired by Gamal Abdel Nasser's "Free Officers" in Egypt, he planned to oust Daoud through a military coup.
The Saur Revolution
In April 1978, Qadir led the Saur Revolution that toppled Daoud's regime. He rallied air force pilots at Bagram Air Base and allegedly piloted the plane that bombed Daoud's residence. He briefly became the de facto leader of the Revolutionary Council of Armed Forces.
Minister of Defense and Conflict with Khalq
On May 1, 1978, Qadir was appointed Minister of National Defense. However, he faced tensions with the "Khalq" faction within the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), led by Hafizullah Amin. He aligned himself with the "Parcham" faction and planned a coup against the Khalqists.
Arrest and Imprisonment
In August 1978, Qadir was arrested and sentenced to death for conspiracy. The sentence was commuted to 15 years imprisonment at the behest of the Soviet embassy. He was released after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979.
Minister of Defense and Promotions
In 1980, Qadir became Head of the Defense and Justice Department of the PDPA Central Committee. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 1980 and appointed Acting Minister of Defense in 1982. In 1982, he became full Minister of Defense and was promoted to Colonel General in 1983.
Decline and Removal
Apesar de seu apoio do Ministério da Defesa da URSS, a posição de Qadir enfraqueceu por não pertencer a nenhuma facção do PDPA e por ser charraymak. Em 1984, ele foi transferido para o cargo de vice-presidente do Conselho Revolucionário e, em 1985, destituído de cargos importantes.
Diplomatic Exile
Em 1986, Qadir foi nomeado embaixador no Afeganistão na Polônia, mas renunciou devido a divergências com o presidente Najibullah. Ele viveu na Bulgária e, nos anos 1990, atuou como conselheiro militar informal do General Ahmad Shah Massoud.
