Who Is Abdul Rashid Dostum? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Abdul Rashid Dostum, born on March 25, 1954, is an influential Afghan Field Marshal and politician. His military and political career has spanned several decades, making him a significant figure in Afghanistan's tumultuous history. As of 2025, Dostum is 71 years old. He has played pivotal roles in various administrations, contributing to Afghanistan's political landscape, particularly in his capacity as a military leader and supporter of various governments.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 25, 1954 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Birth Place | Khwaja Du Koh, Jowzjan, Kingdom of Afghanistan |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Afghanistan |
Popularity
Abdul Rashid Dostum's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact figures for Abdul Rashid Dostum's height and weight may vary, it is generally noted that he has a commanding presence that reflects his military background. As a public figure, he is often seen dressed in traditional Afghan attire, which adds to his stature in the political arena. His physicality signifies years of military training and discipline.
Dostum began working in 1970 in a state-owned gas refinery in Sheberghan. He began participating in union politics when the republican government led by Daoud Khan started to arm the staff of the workers in the oil and gas refineries. The reason for this was to create "groups for the Defense of the Revolution".
As a result of the new communist ideas entering Afghanistan in the 1970s, Dostum enlisted in the Afghan Army in 1976. He received his basic military training in Jalalabad and his squadron was deployed in the rural areas around Sheberghan, under the auspices of the Ministry of National Security.
According to photographic evidence, Dostum additionally received airborne training and still chooses to wear two first-class "Master Paratrooper" Afghan jump wings.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Regarding Abdul Rashid Dostum's personal life, he is known to be married. He has a family that includes several children, and they have remained a significant part of his support system throughout his political journey. While specific details about his romantic relationships beyond marriage are not publicly shared, Dostum's long-standing marriage is a testament to his stability amidst the challenges of Afghan politics.
Dostum was married to a woman named Khadija. According to Brian Glyn Williams, Khadija had an accidental death in the 1990s which broke Dostum as he "really loved his wife". Dostum eventually remarried after Khadija's death.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Abdul Rashid Dostum's net worth and salary reflect his extensive career in politics and military service. Estimates indicate that his net worth is in the millions, thanks to a combination of his military pension, political salaries, and potential business ventures. His political influence and connections have also afforded him opportunities to engage in various economic activities throughout Afghanistan.
Career, Business and Investments
Dostum's career has been multifaceted, ranging from military leadership to significant political roles. Throughout his career, he has held positions such as the Vice President of Afghanistan and has been involved in various political parties, most notably the Junbish-e Milli party.
In addition to his political endeavors, Dostum has also engaged in various business investments, leveraging his political connections to facilitate commercial ventures in Afghanistan. These activities have contributed to his financial standing and influence in the region.
Abdul Rashid Dostum (Uzbek Latin: Abdurrashid Do'stum, Uzbek Cyrillic: Абдуррашид Дўстум, ; born 25 March 1954) is an Afghan former military officer, warlord and exiled politician.
He is the founder and leader of the Junbish-e Milli political party, and was a senior army officer in the military of the former Afghan communist government during the Soviet–Afghan War, initially part of the Afghan Commando Forces. In 2001, Dostum became a key indigenous ally to the U.S.
Special Forces and the CIA during the campaign to topple the Taliban government. He is one of the most powerful warlords since the beginning of the Afghan conflict, infamous for being an opportunist and siding with winners during Afghanistan's several civil wars.
Dostum was also referred to as a kingmaker due to his significant role in Afghan politics.
Social Network
Abdul Rashid Dostum maintains an active presence in local and national politics through various social networks. His supporters and followers often engage with him on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, where he shares updates on his political activities and personal insights. His social media presence amplifies his political message and allows him to connect with younger audiences as well.
Dostum then left Kabul for his northern stronghold Mazar-i-Sharif, where he ruled, in effect, an independent region (or 'proto-state'), often referred as the Northern Autonomous Zone.
He printed his own Afghan currency, ran a small airline named Balkh Air, and formed relations with countries like Uzbekistan effectively creating his own proto-state with an army of up to 40,000 men, and with tanks supplied by Uzbekistan and Russia.
While the rest of the country was in chaos, his region remained prosperous and functional, and it won him the support from people of all ethnic groups. Many people fled to his territory to escape the violence and fundamentalism imposed by the Taliban later on.
In 1994, Dostum allied himself with Gulbuddin Hekmatyar against the government of Burhanuddin Rabbani and Ahmad Shah Massoud, but in 1995 sided with the government again.
Education
Though specific details regarding his educational background are limited, Dostum is known for his leadership skills and strategic thinking developed over years of military and political experience. His practical education stems from his extensive experience in military leadership and politics rather than formal higher education institutions.
Coming from an impoverished ethnic Uzbek family, he received a very basic traditional education as he was forced to drop out of school at a young age. From there, he took up work in the village's major gas fields.
