When the British captured Ghazni in July 1839; one of the most important consequences was the capture of its governor; Ghulam Haider Khan; the fourth son of Dost Mohammed. Fearing for his life; Ghulam tried to escape from the city; but was intercepted and eventually received and pardoned by the incumbent Emir; Shah Shuja.

When Dost Mohammed regained his position in Afghanistan; Ghulam became prime minister of Kabul; succeeding his brother Akbar. In so doing; Ghulam became Dost Mohammed's most likely successor and thus upset his two older brothers who felt they had been sidelined. According to Rattray; he was a large; good-looking and very stout young man who resembled his father. This portrait is a copy of a picture owned by Dowager Lady Keane; rather than a study from life. Pictures From History