Mohammad Tahir Zohair was born in 1974 in Dara-e-Suf Bala, a district in Samangan province, Afghanistan, into a family of agricultural and religious background. His father, Haji Bakhtiari, was a notable figure in the community. Zohair completed his school education in his home village before moving on to higher education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kateb Private University and a master’s degree in the same field. Alongside his sociological studies, Zohair also pursued Islamic studies, studying in both Afghanistan and Iran. His educational background provided a foundation for his later involvement in both political and cultural spheres.
Cultural, Intellectual, and Scientific Activities: In addition to his formal roles, Zohair has been deeply involved in media, social, political, and cultural activities. He was a senior member of the “TAHAVOL and TADAVOM” campaign team during the 2013 presidential election, where he played a key role as a spokesperson. His political and intellectual engagement also extended to his involvement in the writers‘ council of Jamia Baz newspaper.
Early Career and Political Engagement: After the fall of the Taliban and the formation of the new Afghan government, Zohair began his public service career. From 2001 to 2004, he served as the head of the 34th Sector in Bamyan, where he gained recognition for his leadership. Later, he entered national politics and was elected as a member of the National Council (Wolesi Jirga) in 2010, representing Samangan province. During his one-year term in parliament, Zohair worked tirelessly to serve his constituents and effectively fulfill his responsibilities. From 2011 to 2013, he also served as the political advisor to the Second Vice President of Afghanistan.
Political Leadership and Governance: In 2014, Zohair was appointed Governor of Bamyan province, a position he held until 2019. During his tenure, he focused on improving the living conditions of the people, fostering cultural programs, and supporting media and civil society institutions. Under his leadership, Bamyan saw significant developments, including the establishment of diplomatic relations with international entities such as China and Italy. His efforts contributed to the province’s stability and growth amidst challenging circumstances. Zohair was also responsible for introducing important infrastructural projects such as the Bamyan New City Road and the Bamyan city bypass road. His administration focused on transparency, government accountability, and promoting peace and development.
Security Efforts and National Defense: Security was a key concern during Zohair’s tenure as governor. Bamyan province, despite its relative peace, faced threats from the Taliban, particularly in the border areas. Zohair took decisive actions to defend the region, even going to the front lines alongside soldiers and local leaders. His leadership in securing Bamyan was marked by strong cooperation with the local population, fostering unity among the diverse ethnic groups, and maintaining order during times of crisis.
Cultural and Social Contributions: Governor Zohair’s contributions to the cultural and social development of Bamyan were notable. He organized festivals such as the Potato Blossom Festival, Dambora, and the SAARC Festival, which celebrated the region’s cultural heritage and promoted unity among different communities. Zohair was also instrumental in promoting the rich history of Bamyan, including the preservation of UNESCO-protected sites such as the Buddha statues. His efforts to promote cultural activities were driven by a passion for preserving Afghan identity and showcasing the beauty of the region to the world.
Economic Development and Tourism Initiatives: Zohair prioritized economic development during his time as governor, focusing on diversifying the local economy and creating job opportunities. He spearheaded large infrastructure projects aimed at improving the region’s economic prospects. These projects included the development of roads, electricity, and new city planning, which provided significant economic benefits to Bamyan. Additionally, Zohair recognized the potential of tourism in Bamyan’s economy. Under his leadership, the region saw an increase in international visitors, despite security challenges. He worked to revitalize Bamyan’s tourism industry by organizing large-scale cultural events and promoting the province’s historical and natural attractions.
Diplomacy and International Relations: Zohair’s diplomatic efforts were critical in restoring international relations for Bamyan. After a diplomatic incident led to a halt in Japanese aid to the province, Zohair worked tirelessly to rebuild these relations. His efforts were successful, and in 2019, Japan resumed its development assistance to Bamyan. This was a significant achievement in his tenure, as international aid played a vital role in the region’s development.
Legacy and Contributions: Throughout his career, Mohammad Tahir Zohair worked to ensure the development and security of Bamyan and Afghanistan as a whole. His leadership in governance, cultural promotion, economic development, and national security has left a lasting impact on the region. Zohair’s commitment to the people of Bamyan, his dedication to good governance, and his efforts to preserve and promote Afghan culture and heritage have solidified his place as one of Afghanistan’s distinguished political and cultural leaders.
