Background
He was the third son of Dost Mohammed Khan, founder of the Barakzai Dynasty in Afghanistan. Sher Ali Khan initially seized power when his father died, but was quickly ousted by his older brother, Mohammad Afzal Khan.
He was the third son of Dost Mohammed Khan, founder of the Barakzai Dynasty in Afghanistan. Sher Ali Khan initially seized power when his father died, but was quickly ousted by his older brother, Mohammad Afzal Khan.
His rule was hindered by pressure from both Britain and Russia, though Sher Ali attempted to keep Afghanistan neutral during their conflict. In 1878, the neutrality fell apart and the Second Anglo-Afghan War erupted. As British forces marched on Kabul, Sher Ali Khan decided to leave Kabul to seek political asylum in Russia.
Sher Ali was closely affiliated to the modern-day region of Potohar in Pakistan.
After independence, the Gakhars tribe became part of Pakistan.