Who Is Mohammad Daoud Khan? Age, Biography and Wiki
Mohammad Daoud Khan was born on July 18, 1909, in Kabul, Afghanistan. He served as Prime Minister from 1953 to 1963 and later became the first President of Afghanistan from 1973 until his overthrow in 1978. A pivotal figure in Afghan history, his leadership saw significant modernization efforts but also ushered in a period of political unrest. As of 2025, Daoud Khan would have been celebrating his 116th birthday, symbolizing an era of transition in Afghanistan, and contingent upon historical reflection, his legacy continues to influence contemporary Afghan politics.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1909 |
| Age | 68 Years |
| Birth Place | Kabul, Emirate of Afghanistan |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Afghanistan |
| Date of death | 28 April, 1978 |
| Died Place | Kabul, Democratic Republic of Afghanistan |
Popularity
Mohammad Daoud Khan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact measurements may vary, Mohammad Daoud Khan was known for his charismatic presence, standing at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). His weight during his active years was around 160 lbs (72 kg). His well-maintained physique and stature reflected his military background and leadership role.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mohammad Daoud Khan was married to his cousin, of whom details are limited, but they shared a familial and cultural bond typical in Afghan society. Together, they had children, but specific names and details about his family have been lesser-known in public discourse. Throughout his life, his relationships were primarily political and familial, with an emphasis on strengthening ties within the ruling elite of Afghanistan.
His father was assassinated in 1933 in Berlin, while serving as the Afghan Ambassador to Germany. He and his brother Prince Naim Khan (1911–1978) then came under the tutelage of their uncle Mohammad Hashim Khan (1884–1953). Daoud proved to be an apt student of politics.
Net Worth and Salary
Estimating the net worth of historical figures like Mohammad Daoud Khan can be complex, especially given the turbulent economic context of Afghanistan during his era. However, Daoud Khan, through his political roles and connections, accumulated a considerable amount of wealth for his time, with estimations pegging his worth to millions in historical currency values. Modern equivalents are difficult to establish but understanding his economic influence remains pivotal.
Career, Business and Investments
Daoud Khan's career is a tapestry of military service and political maneuvers. He was instrumental in transitioning Afghanistan toward modernization, focusing on infrastructure, education, and healthcare. His nationalizations of industries were significant but met with varying degrees of success. There are speculative narratives linking him to foreign investments during his leadership; however, contemporary analysis reveals that significant economic challenges plagued Afghanistan during his tenure, limiting the scope of robust investments.
Abdul Ghaffar Khan (founder of Khudai Khidmatgar movement), stated "that Daoud Khan only exploited the idea of reunification of Pashtun people to meet his own political ends. The idea of reunification of Pashtun people never helped Pashtuns and it only caused trouble for Pakistan. In fact it was never a reality".
Moreover, Daoud Khan's project for the reunification of the Pashtun people failed to gain support from the majority of Pashtuns in Pakistan.
Social Network
While social media did not exist during Daoud Khan's lifetime, his legacy has a significant presence online today. Numerous social platforms and forums discuss his impact on Afghan society, especially among historians and political analysts. His life and work have been the subject of books, documentaries, and podcasts, making him a recurring subject in academic and cultural discussions.
Education
Mohammad Daoud Khan was educated in various prestigious institutions, both in Afghanistan and abroad. His early education took place in Kabul, where he developed an interest in public service and military. He furthered his studies in France, exposing him to Western political ideologies and military strategies. This blend of Eastern and Western education contributed to his pragmatic approach to governance and modernization efforts in Afghanistan.
In Khan's new cabinet, many ministers were fresh faced politicians, and only Dr Abdul Majid was a ministerial carryover from Khan's Prime Minister era (1953–1963); Majid was Minister of Education from 1953 to 1957, and from 1973 was appointed Minister of Justice until 1977.
Initially about half of the new cabinet were either current members, former members or sympathizers of the PDPA, but over time their influence would be eradicated by Khan.
