Sultan Ahmad Khan

Sultan Ahmad Khan b. Sardar 'Azim Muhammadzai, also known as Sultan Jan was the ruler of the Principality of Herat from September 1857 to April 1863. He was a nephew of Dost Mohammad Khan. In 1855-56, Sultan Ahmad Khan sent a petition to the Shah, Nasir al-Din. If the Iranians would support Sultan Ahmad Khan with an army, he would overthrow the Amir-i Kabir and incorporate Afghanistan into the Guarded Domains. However, Sultan Ahmad Khan was intercepted by Dost Mohammad Khan, who exiled Sultan Ahmad Khan to Iran.

After the conclusion of the Anglo-Persian War, he was installed as ruler of Herat by the Iranians. On May 24, 1857, Sultan Ahmad Khan arrived in Herat. The Iranians evacuated Herat in September 1857 in accordance with the Treaty of Paris. During Sultan Ahmad Khan's reign, he was completely dependent on Iran and not only minted coins in the Shah's name, but also given assistance against the Muhammadzais to the east. Naser al-Din Shah bestowed the title of Sirkar on Sultan Ahmad Khan and gave his son, Shah Nawaz Khan, the title of Amir Panji.

Khan captured Farah soon after in March 1862. Farah had been a Muhammadzai possession since their occupation of the town on October 30, 1856. This became Dost Mohammad Khan's casus belli to launch an attack on Herat. On June 29 or July 8 Farah was captured by the Muhammadzais. On July 22, Sabzawar was captured. By July 28, Herat was besieged. During the 10-month siege Ahmad died on March 6, 1863, being succeeded by his son Shah Nawaz Khan. Shortly before his death, he had been affected by a disease that causes limb paralysis. On May 27, 1863, Herat would finally fall to the Amir.