10 Most Influential Afghan Lawyers and Scholars

Published in

Heritage Digest

14 min readFeb 18, 2024

The contributions of some remarkable individuals mark Afghanistan’s legal history. This article highlights the ten most influential Afghan lawyers who have left an indelible mark on the country’s legal landscape. Their dedication and expertise have shaped Afghan law and justice, leaving a lasting legacy.

Abdul Salam Azimi (1936-Present)
Mohammad Hashim Maiwandwal (1921–1973)
Anahita Ratebzad (1931–2014)
Abdul Rahim Ghafoorzai (1947–1997)
Sima Samar (1957-Present)
Fawzia Koofi (1975-Present)
Abdul Jabar Sabet (1945–2023)
Latif Pedram (1963-Present)
Habibullah Ghaleb (1939-Present)
Mohammad Hashim Kamali (1944-Present)

1. Abdul Salam Azimi (1936-Present)

Abdul Salam Azimi was born in 1936 in Farah Province, Afghanistan. His early life was shaped by the cultural and educational environment of Afghanistan before the Soviet invasion. Growing up in relative stability, Azimi’s family resided in Kabul province, where he was exposed to the country’s rich legal and academic traditions. His upbringing in this environment likely influenced his later pursuit of a career in law and education.

Azimi’s educational journey took a significant turn when he became a professor at the University of Nebraska in Omaha. This position broadened his academic horizon and gave him an international perspective on law and justice. His academic tenure in the U.S. was a testament to his commitment to legal scholarship. In addition to his academic achievements, Azimi was a crucial legal advisor to Afghan President Hamid Karzai. His most notable contribution during this period was his assistance in drafting the 2004 Constitution of Afghanistan, a cornerstone document in the nation’s path to rebuilding its legal and political systems.

In August 2006, Azimi was appointed as the Chief Justice of Afghanistan, heading the Afghan Supreme Court, a position he held until his resignation in October 2014. His tenure as Chief Justice marked a significant shift in the Afghan judiciary, transitioning from his predecessor, Faisal Ahmad Shinwari, a conservative Islamic cleric with no higher education, to a more modern and educated approach to law. Azimi was known for his fair-mindedness and moderation, actively working towards upholding the rule of law and improving Afghanistan’s legal system, which had been dilapidated by years of conflict. His leadership in the Supreme Court was a period of notable efforts towards legal reform and strengthening judicial processes in Afghanistan.

2. Mohammad Hashim Maiwandwal (1921–1973)

Mohammad Hashim Maiwandwal was born on March 12, 1921, in Afghanistan. His early life and family background are not extensively documented, but his educational and professional trajectory suggest he had access to quality education and opportunities. His upbringing likely played a crucial role in shaping his aspirations and career in journalism and politics.

After graduating from high school, Maiwandwal embarked on a career in journalism, editing several newspapers. His intellectual acumen and diplomatic skills led to his appointment as the Kingdom of Afghanistan’s ambassador to key countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Pakistan between 1955 and 1963. These roles marked his ascent in Afghan politics and helped him gain significant international exposure and experience.

Maiwandwal’s most notable achievement was serving as the Prime Minister of Afghanistan from November 2, 1965, until October 11, 1967. His tenure was marked by efforts to establish friendly relations with students and implement limits on political activities, indicating his interest in maintaining social order and political stability. He also founded the Progressive Democratic Party, advocating evolutionary socialism and parliamentary democracy. Unfortunately, his political career was marred by controversy and eventual tragedy. Arrested in 1973 for an alleged coup conspiracy, Maiwandwal died in prison under suspicious circumstances, widely believed to be a result of torture. His death is seen as a significant event in Afghan political history, influencing subsequent political purges and shifts.

3. Anahita Ratebzad (1931–2014)

Anahita Ratebzad, born in November 1931 in Guldara, Kabul Province, Afghanistan, was a prominent figure in Afghan politics and a staunch advocate for women’s rights. Her early life was marked by adversity; her father, a supporter of Amanullah Khan’s reforms, was exiled to Iran, leaving Ratebzad and her brother to grow up under challenging circumstances. Married at 15 to Dr. Keramuddin Kakar, she pursued education fervently, attending the Malalaï Lycée in Kabul and later obtaining a nursing degree from the State University of Michigan. She furthered her education in medicine at Kabul University, becoming part of its first female cohort and graduating in 1962.

Ratebzad’s political journey began in the late 1950s as one of Afghanistan’s first outspoken female activists. She was a trailblazer in challenging societal norms, notably leading a group of female nurses in 1957 to care for male patients at Kabul’s Aliabad Hospital, a significant step in women’s participation in public life. In 1964, she founded the Democratic Organisation of Afghan Women (DOAW), a group committed to promoting women’s rights. Her political stance led to a strained relationship with her husband, Dr. Kakar, who was loyal to King Zahir Shah, resulting in their eventual separation.

Ratebzad’s political career peaked when she was elected to the Afghan parliament in 1965, becoming one of the country’s first female parliamentarians. A member of the People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), she was deeply involved in leftist politics. Her role as Minister of Social Affairs and later as Afghanistan’s ambassador to Belgrade exemplified her influence and commitment to her country. Her editorial in the Kabul New Times in 1978 was a bold statement on women’s rights and education. Despite criticism and controversy, Ratebzad remained a prominent figure in Afghan politics until her withdrawal from the public eye in 1986. She spent her later years in exile, passing away on September 7, 2014, in Germany, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering female politician and advocate for women’s empowerment in Afghanistan.

4. Abdul Rahim Ghafoorzai (1947–1997)

Abdul Rahim Ghafoorzai, born around 1947, was a significant political and diplomatic figure in Afghanistan’s turbulent history. As an ethnic Pashtun from the Barakzai Mohammadzai tribe, Ghafoorzai embarked on a career in the Afghan foreign service during the 1970s. His diplomatic journey led him to the United States, where he represented the Soviet-supported Afghan political administration. In a notable shift, as the ambassador to the United Nations, he openly denounced the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, marking a critical point in his diplomatic career. From that moment until 1992, he dedicated himself to rallying international opposition against the Soviet-backed regime in Afghanistan.

Ghafoorzai’s role evolved further following the collapse of the communist government in 1992. He emerged as a key intermediary, striving to bridge the divides among Afghanistan’s various factions. His diplomatic skills were recognized and utilized within the United Nations, where he served until 1995, after which he was appointed as the deputy foreign minister of Afghanistan. In July 1996, he ascended to the position of foreign minister, playing a pivotal role in the country’s external affairs during intense internal conflict and change.

The landscape of Afghan politics shifted dramatically in September 1996 when government forces retreated from Kabul, leading to the Taliban’s control of the capital. Despite limited international recognition of the Taliban government, with acknowledgment from only a few countries like Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, Ghafoorzai retained his role as foreign minister of the Islamic State of Afghanistan’s new cabinet based in Mazar e Sharif. In a tragic turn of events, Ghafoorzai’s promising political career was cut short on 21 August 1997. Just ten days after being appointed prime minister of the Islamic State of Afghanistan government, he perished in a plane crash in Bamyan Province while en route to negotiate the formation of his cabinet. His untimely death marked the end of a significant chapter in Afghan diplomacy and politics.

5. Sima Samar (1957-Present)

Sima Samar, born on February 3, 1957, in Jaghori, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, is a prominent Afghan human rights advocate and medical doctor. Belonging to the Hazara ethnic group, she completed her medical degree from Kabul University in February 1982. Initially practicing medicine in Kabul, she fled to her hometown due to safety concerns. In Jaghori, she provided critical medical services in remote areas. Presently, she leads Afghanistan’s human rights commission, marking her as a significant figure in the nation’s pursuit of human rights.

Samar’s career took a pivotal turn in 1984 when her husband was arrested by the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan’s government. She and her son escaped to Pakistan, where she served as a doctor at the Mission Hospital’s refugee branch. Deeply moved by the lack of healthcare for Afghan refugee women, she founded the Shuhada Organization and Shuhada Clinic in Quetta, Pakistan, in 1989. This organization played a crucial role in providing Afghan women and girls healthcare, training medical staff, and promoting education. Over the years, she expanded the reach of her clinic/hospital across Afghanistan, demonstrating her commitment to healthcare and education.

Samar’s political career began with her return to Afghanistan in 2002, where she joined the Afghan Transitional Administration led by Hamid Karzai. She served as Deputy President and the Minister for Women’s Affairs, making her one of the first women to hold such a position since the 1970s. Her tenure was marked by controversy; she faced death threats and harassment for her progressive views on Islamic laws, particularly sharia law. Despite these challenges, she remained a vocal advocate for women’s rights and against practices like purdah and the burqa. Her work in human rights was further recognized when she headed the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission from 2002 to 2019. In addition, she founded the Gawharshad Institute of Higher Education in 2010, significantly contributing to higher education in Afghanistan. In 2019, she was appointed to the UN’s High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement, showcasing her international influence and dedication to human rights. Despite facing substantial opposition, Samar’s relentless advocacy for women’s rights and healthcare marks her as a pioneering figure in Afghanistan’s struggle for equality and human rights.

6. Fawzia Koofi (1975-Present)

Fawzia Koofi, born in 1975 in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, is a distinguished Afghan politician, writer, and advocate for women’s rights. Despite being initially rejected by her parents due to her gender and left to die in the sun on the day of her birth, Koofi’s resilience saw her persuading her parents to allow her to attend school. She was the only girl in her family to receive an education. Initially pursuing a medical degree, her educational journey was interrupted when the Taliban banned women’s education after their 1996 takeover. Post-Taliban, she returned to school and earned a master’s in business and management from Preston University.

Koofi’s political career began post-2001, following the Taliban’s fall. Her advocacy for girls' right to education through her “Back to School” campaign marked her political entry. She worked with UNICEF as a Child Protection Officer from 2001 to 2004, focusing on protecting children from violence and abuse. In 2005, she was elected to the Wolesi Jirga, the lower house of the Afghan National Assembly, to represent the Badakhshan district and serve as the deputy speaker. Koofi became the first female Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament in Afghanistan’s history. She was re-elected in 2010, continuing her focus on women’s rights and infrastructure development.

Koofi’s tenure in the Afghan Parliament was marked by her efforts to legislate on women’s rights and infrastructure development. She drafted the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) legislation in 2009, which was implemented across Afghanistan despite opposition from conservative Parliament members. She has survived multiple assassination attempts, including one in 2010. While her planned presidential candidacy in 2014 was halted due to age requirements, she remained an active MP and Chairperson of Afghanistan’s Women, Civil Society, and Human Rights Commission. In 2020, she was part of the Afghan government’s team negotiating peace with the Taliban, surviving an assassination attempt in the same year. Koofi’s unwavering commitment to women’s rights and influential role in Afghan politics make her a prominent figure in the nation’s struggle for equality and peace.

7. Abdul Jabar Sabet (1945–2023)

Abdul Jabar Sabet, born in 1945, was a notable Afghan political figure and legal professional. His upbringing and early influences are not extensively documented, but his career trajectory suggests a deep engagement with Afghanistan’s political and legal systems. Sabet, an ethnic Pashtun, initially served as a long-time aide to former Afghan Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, indicating his early involvement in the country’s political landscape.

Sabet’s educational background, particularly in law, significantly shaped his career. After leaving Afghanistan, he worked in the United States for Voice of America, broadening his professional experience. His return to Afghanistan marked a pivotal turn in his career, as he first engaged with a human rights organization, then joined the Interior Ministry as a special adviser. His appointment as Attorney General of Afghanistan in May 2006 by President Hamid Karzai was a significant milestone, highlighting his prominence in legal and political circles. Reports suggest that the U.S. supported Sabet’s promotion partly in exchange for positive remarks about Guantanamo Bay.

Sabet’s tenure as controversy and accusations of corruption marked Attorney General. In April 2007, he notably launched a violent raid on Tolo TV, Afghanistan’s largest private TV chain, over a report he deemed distorted. This incident led to the detention and alleged mistreatment of journalists, sparking widespread criticism and protests for violating legal procedures and media freedoms. Furthermore, Sabet faced accusations of corruption, including from Izzatullah Wasifi, Head of Afghanistan’s Department of Corruption and Bribery. Despite his claims of fighting corruption, Sabet struggled to secure convictions for the officials he arrested on corruption charges. His dismissal by President Karzai in July 2008 was reportedly linked to his presidential ambitions, reflecting the complex and often turbulent nature of Afghan politics. Abdul Jabar Sabet passed away on 26 January 2023.

8. Latif Pedram (1963-Present)

Abdul Latīf Pedrām, born on July 29, 1963, in Maimay, Badakhshan, Afghanistan, is a prominent political figure known for advocating secularism, federalism, and decentralization in Afghanistan. Coming from a Persian-speaking Tajik family, Pedrām’s early life was marked by cultural richness and academic pursuit. He was deeply involved in the literary and cultural scene, serving as the director of the library at the Hakīm Nāṣer Ḫoṣrow Balḫī Cultural Center. Initially supporting the communist government, he opposed the Soviet occupation and aligned with Ahmad Shah Masood, a key figure in the resistance. Forced into exile by the Taliban’s advance, Pedrām spent time in France, where he continued his studies in political sciences and promoted Afghan Persian poetry and literature.

Pedrām’s political career is characterized by his strong advocacy for a secular, independent, decentralized Afghanistan. He is known for his opposition to Islamic fundamentalism and corruption. His call for Afghanistan to be divided into autonomous regions managed by regional capitals reflects his vision for a federalist approach to governance. Despite his multi-ethnic party, Pedrām is sometimes seen as a secular Tajik nationalist. His controversial proposal to change the country’s name from Afghanistan to “Khorasan” stems from a desire to settle inter-ethnic disputes and to move away from a name he perceives as synonymous with Pashtuns.

In the 2004 Afghan presidential election, Pedrām emerged as a significant candidate, finishing fifth with about 1.4% of the total vote. His call for the election delay to address security concerns and include the Afghan diaspora went unheeded. His criticism of the election as fraudulent reflected his stance against government corruption. Controversy followed him in 2008 over alleged disrespectful comments about former King Amanullah Khan, leading to his house arrest. He participated in the 2009 presidential election, finishing eleventh, and in the 2010 parliamentary election, he was elected as the third representative from Badakhshan province. Pedrām’s political vision, centered on empowering minorities and promoting equality among different ethnicities, is fundamental to his leadership of the Afghanistan National Congress Party and the Tajik Council of Afghanistan.

9. Habibullah Ghaleb (1939-Present)

Habibullah Ghaleb, born in 1939 in Kohistan, Kapisa, Afghanistan, has been a prominent figure in the Afghan legal and political landscape. Of Pashtun descent, Ghaleb embarked on a career in law, beginning with his education in Afghanistan and later in Egypt. After graduating from Kabul University in 1962, he earned a bachelor’s degree in law in 1964, setting the foundation for future roles in the Afghan Ministry of Justice. His quest for deeper legal understanding led him to al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he earned his master’s degree in Comparative Islamic Law. His dissertation, titled “Legislity of Crime and Punishment,” reflects his keen interest in the intricacies of Islamic law.

Ghaleb’s career in Afghanistan’s Ministry of Justice was interrupted by the Soviet intervention in 1978, which led to his imprisonment. After his release two years later, he sought refuge in Pakistan, highlighting the turbulent political landscape of Afghanistan during that era. Despite the challenges, he continued to serve his country, holding the Afghan Deputy Attorney General position from 1994 to 1995. His exile in the United States during the Taliban rule further diversified his experience and understanding of international legal systems.

In 2006, Ghaleb’s candidacy for the 9th judge of Afghanistan’s Supreme Court saw a split decision in the Wolesi Jirga, with equal votes for and against his appointment. This episode demonstrated the complex nature of Afghan politics and judiciary. Ghaleb was appointed Minister of Justice by Hamid Karzai in 2010. His tenure was marked by controversy, particularly in June 2012, when he equated women’s shelters with brothels, sparking international condemnation. Despite the criticism, his multilingual capabilities in Dari, Pashto, and English, combined with his extensive legal background, have made him a significant figure in Afghan law and governance.

10. Mohammad Hashim Kamali (1944-Present)

Mohammad Hashim Kamali, born February 7, 1944, has been influential in Islamic scholarship and law. His journey began in Afghanistan, where he was immersed in a culture rich in Islamic traditions and knowledge. Kamali’s early exposure to this environment laid the groundwork for his future academic pursuits. He began his formal education at the University of Kabul, where he completed his undergraduate studies. His academic ambitions led him overseas to the United Kingdom, where he furthered his legal education. He earned his LLM in Comparative Law from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science, followed by a Ph.D. in Islamic and Middle Eastern Law at the University of London between 1969 and 1976.

Kamali’s academic and Islamic scholar career flourished at the International Islamic University Malaysia. He served as a Professor of Islamic Law and Jurisprudence there, imparting his vast knowledge to students and scholars alike. His tenure at the university, which spanned from 1985 to 2007, saw him assume the role of Dean of the International Institute of Islamic Thought & Civilisation (ISTAC). This position allowed him to influence and significantly influence the discourse around Islamic law and jurisprudence. His contributions to the field have been so substantial that one author described him as “the most widely read living author on Islamic law in the English language.”

Kamali is chairman of the Institute for Law and Society (ILSAF), continuing his lifelong commitment to studying and disseminating Islamic legal thought. His leadership at ILSAF exemplifies his dedication to bridging the gap between traditional Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary legal challenges. Through his academic work, Kamali has significantly impacted the understanding and application of Islamic law in modern society.