Zahir Shah

Mohammad Zahir Shah was the last king of Afghanistan, ruling from 1933 until he was deposed in 1973. His reign is noted for modernization efforts, including infrastructure development and educational reforms. Zahir Shah aimed to maintain neutrality during the Cold War and sought to balance relations between the West and the Soviet Union. After his ousting, he lived in exile for nearly three decades. He returned to Afghanistan in 2002 and influenced the country's political landscape during the transitional period following the Taliban's fall. Zahir Shah passed away in 2007, remembered for his efforts towards peace and unity.