Babrak Karmal Biography and Timeline

PDPA

The PDPA splits into two rival factions, the Khalq (Masses) faction headed by Nur Muhammad Taraki and Hafizullah Amin and the Parcham (Banner) faction led by Babrak Karmal

Head of State

Babrak Karmal is installed as chairman of the Revolutionary Council following the Soviet intervention.

Role range: 1979-1986

Coup

Placed in power by a Russian backed coup

Coup

Placed in power by a Russian backed coup

Role range: 1979-1986

Invasion of Afghanistan

The Afghan Revolutionary Central Committee elects as head of Government former Deputy Prime Minister Babrak Karmal. Broadcasts an appeal for Soviet help from a radio station within Russia

Role range: 1979-1986

Revolutionary Central Committee

The Afghan Revolutionary Central Committee elects as head of Government former Deputy Prime Minister Babrak Karmal

Role range: 1979-1986

Conference of Islam

The Foreign Minister's of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference deplore the invasion and demand Soviet withdrawal at a meeting in Islamabad

Role range: 1979-1986

Invasion of Afghanistan

The Foreign Minister's of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference deplore the invasion and demand Soviet withdrawal at a meeting in Islamabad

Role range: 1979-1986

Conference of Islam

The Foreign Minister's of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference deplore the invasion and demand Soviet withdrawal at a meeting in Islamabad

Role range: 1979-1986

Invasion of Afghanistan

The Foreign Minister's of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference deplore the invasion and demand Soviet withdrawal at a meeting in Islamabad

Role range: 1979-1986

Fundamental Principles

Karmal promulgates the Fundamental Principles of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan as an interim constitutional framework.

Role range: 1979-1986

Amnesty

Karmal announces an amnesty and promises religious freedom to broaden support for his government.

Role range: 1979-1986

Invasion of Afghanistan

The United Nations General Assembly votes by 104 to 18 with 18 abstentions for a resolution which "strongly deplores" the "recent armed intervention" in Afghanistan and calls for the "total withdrawal"

Role range: 1979-1986

United Nations

The United Nations General Assembly votes by 104 to 18 with 18 abstentions for a resolution which "strongly deplores" the "recent armed intervention" in Afghanistan and calls for the "total withdrawal"

Role range: 1979-1986

Government Reorganization

Karmal reorganizes ministries and relies increasingly on Soviet advisers to administer the country.

Role range: 1979-1986

National Fatherland Front

Karmal establishes the National Fatherland Front to widen the political base of the state.

Role range: 1979-1986

Invasion of Afghanistan

The last Russian troops leave Afghanistan

Role range: 1979-1986 – 1979-1986

Removal from Party Leadership

Karmal is replaced by Mohammad Najibullah as PDPA general secretary.

Role range: 1979-1986