Page "Ismail Khan" Paragraph 7

After returning to Herat, Ismail Khan quickly consolidated his control over the region.

He took over control of the city from the local ulema and quickly established control over the trade route between Herat and Iran, a large source of revenue.

As Emir of Herat, Ismail Khan exercised great autonomy, providing social welfare for Heratis, expanding his power into neighbouring provinces, and maintaining direct international contacts.

Although hated by the educated in Herat and often accused of human rights abuses, Ismail Khan's regime provided security, paid government employees, and made investments in public services.

However, during his tenure as Governor, Ismail Khan was accused of ruling his province like a private fiefdom, leading to increasing tensions with the Afghan Transitional Administration.

In particular, he refused to pass on to the government the revenues gained from custom taxes on goods from Iran and Turkmenistan.