17 July, marks the 17th death anniversary of Afghanistan’s last king, Mohammad Zahir Shah. Zahir Shah ascended to power at 19 after the assassination of his father, Mohammad Nadir Khan, and ruled for 40 years. His reign saw the establishment of a new constitution, the adoption of a constitutional monarchy, and the freedom of political parties.
Political analysts note that Zahir Shah managed to maintain a balance between the East and West, the USA and the USSR, and established strong internal security. However, his cousin, Daoud Khan, ended the monarchy with a coup in 1973.
Zahir Shah returned to Afghanistan in 2002 and passed away on 23 July 2007, in Kabul. His legacy and services continue to live on in the hearts of Afghans.